Landing Craft Air Cushion (Light) (Replacement) (LCAC (L) (R))
The LCAC (L) (R) is a direct replacement for the LCAC (L) currently in service with 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines. The craft is required to operate in a hostile marine environment in extreme temperatures. It may be deployed for several months with very limited maintenance support facilities. The primary role of the LCAC (L) (R) is as an air-portable, fully amphibious craft capable of the high speed movement of 16 fully equipped troops and a crew of 2 over water, ice, mud, marshland and beach.
LCAC (L) (R) is currently conducting extensive trials with 11 (Amphibious Trials and Training) Squadron at Instow. The craft is proving exceptionally capable, particularly the increase in manoeuvrability and speed. It is able to achieve up 45 kts fully laden, which is a considerable increase over the old LCAC(L). The navigation systems have greatly enhanced the craft's capability to operate at night and in poor visibility. It has a state of the art thermal image camera working in conjunction with twin Raymarine display screens which increase the coxswains’ spatial awareness considerably. Ballistic protection is fitted to the craft to provide protection for the crew and passengers. Interface trials have been conducted successfully with the amphibious shipping from which the craft will be deployed around the world. Currently, Air Portability trials are also being conducted to shoe horn it into a Hercules aircraft; giving us another means of strategic deployment.
Without a doubt the introduction of the four replacement craft will enhance the Corp's amphibious capability considerably.
