Austal USA has delivered the US Navy’s first 1700-class Landing Craft Utility vessel, designated LCU 1710, under a program framework established in 2023.
The vessel represents the beginning of a new generation of landing craft intended to replace the Navy’s 1466, 1610, and 1627-class platforms, which have been used since the 1990s to transport troops, vehicles, and equipment between ships and shore locations.
The LCU 1710 and its sister ships are expected to support expeditionary assault operations alongside larger amphibious vessels. Beyond their primary logistics role, the craft can also be employed for surveillance, dive team support, port-related activities, and humanitarian response missions.
‘Flawless Performance’
Before its official handover, LCU 1710 completed acceptance testing conducted under the oversight of the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey. The trials confirmed that the vessel satisfied the required operational and performance standards ahead of commissioning.
One of the capabilities demonstrated during testing was the craft’s ability to maneuver and operate independently without depending on tugboats or pilots.
The LCU 1700 System
Designed for heavy transport operations, the LCU 1700 has a large deck capable of carrying as much as 150 tons (136,078 kilograms) of cargo. Depending on the mission, this could include two M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks or approximately 400 personnel.
The landing craft is 139 feet (42 meters) long and 31 feet (9 meters) wide and requires a crew of 14 to operate.
Its onboard systems include mounted defensive weapons, communications equipment, and modern navigation and combat technologies to support operations in various environments.
The vessel is powered by two diesel engines producing 500 horsepower each. This propulsion system provides a maximum speed of 11 knots (13 miles/20 kilometers per hour) and a range of up to 1,200 nautical miles (1,380 miles/2,222 kilometers).
Under the current LCU 1700 acquisition plan, the US Navy could receive up to 12 vessels. The platforms are currently progressing through different stages of production, with LCU 1714, the fifth hull in the program, beginning construction with a steel-cutting ceremony last April at Austal’s Mobile, Alabama, shipyard.
