Representatives from the US Army and federal and local elected officials joined Vigor employees for a keel laying ceremony on 17 September, for construction of the US Army’s next generation landing craft, the Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) or MSV(L).
The US Army awarded Vigor the contract to build its new generation landing craft in the fall of 2017.
The new design, developed in partnership with BMT, is expected to improves the capabilities of the current LCM-8 and provide operational flexibility and life-cycle cost.
Meanwhile, the landing craft’s tribow monohull is a simple design that provides superior maneuverability and stability in high sea states, Vigor explained.
The contract calls for one prototype vessel, four vessels under low rate production, and up to thirty two additional vessels over ten years for use by Army Mariners.
The MSV(L) replaces the aging Mike Boats which were considered lacking the range required to haul modern Army equipment over the ranges necessary in a denied combat zone.
See also:
- Autopilot error leads to landing craft grounding
- Watch: US Navy provides 3D simulator for aircraft carrier flight deck crews
