Rolls-Royce has secured a $54.7 million contract from the U.S. Navy to supply MT7 turboshaft engines for the LCAC 100-class hovercraft. The deal covers 12 engines, installation kits, and associated components for vessels under the Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) program. Engine production will occur in Indianapolis, Indiana, with project completion expected by June 2029.
This engine order follows a separate agreement with Textron Systems to build additional SSC hovercraft, reinforcing the Navy’s goal to phase out the legacy LCAC fleet. Designed for high-speed, over-the-beach operations, the SSC vessels play a critical role in transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies from ship to shore.
Each LCAC 100 hovercraft is equipped with four MT7 engines, each generating approximately 6,160 shaft horsepower (4.6 megawatts). The platforms can reach speeds of up to 35 knots and carry payloads of up to 75 tons. The MT7 engine is based on the T406, a gas turbine used in the Navy’s V-22 Osprey aircraft, offering proven performance and reliability for marine operations.
