Textron Systems announced that the company will begin on-water testing of its Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) prototype, LCAC 100, in the next months. Textron was awarded the $212,7 million contract in 2012 and is scheduled to deliver the first platform to the US Navy later this year. Reportedly, the work on a further four SSCs has already begun at the company’s facility in Luisiana. Designed to transport large numbers of marines, equipment and weapons to shore from beyond-the-horizon, ‘Landing Craft Air Cushion 100’ (LCAC 100) will also be capable of transporting Abrams tanks. With its strengthened cargo deck, a 74-ton payload capacity, more powerful and more fuel-efficient engines, LCAC 100 will replace the navy’s current fleet.