Rolls-Royce has secured a $54.7 million contract from the U.S. Navy to provide 12 MT7 turboshaft engines and related components for the LCAC 100-class hovercraft, which form a core part of the Navy’s Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) program aimed at modernizing its amphibious operations.
The British aerospace and engineering firm will supply not just the engines, but also installation kits and spare parts, supporting the construction and operational readiness of the new-generation hovercraft. The contract’s work scope is assigned to Indianapolis, Indiana, with completion expected by June 2029.
This engine procurement coincides with the Navy’s recent decision to expand its hovercraft fleet. Just last week, Textron Systems was commissioned to construct three additional LCAC 100 units, contributing to the larger initiative of delivering up to 73 new hovercraft. These craft will ultimately replace the aging legacy LCAC vessels, which have been in service for decades.
Designed for high-speed transport of troops, armored vehicles, and critical cargo from ship to shore, the LCAC 100-class vessels are equipped for multi-role functionality, including combat deployment, emergency evacuations, and disaster relief operations. Each craft can carry up to 75 tons of payload and traverse a variety of terrain types at a cruising speed of 35 knots.
Central to this performance are the MT7 engines, which are derived from the Rolls-Royce T406 engines that power the V-22 Osprey aircraft. These marine gas turbines deliver strong thrust and reliability, combining speed, endurance, and reduced maintenance—a critical factor in rapid-response missions.
This contract strengthens the ongoing collaboration between the U.S. Navy and top-tier defense industry partners like Rolls-Royce and Textron, as they continue to support naval transformation efforts in a shifting global security landscape.
