The Navy has awarded a team led by Textron [TXT] a $212.7-million contract for the next generation of amphibious landing craft designed for launch from ships to ferry Marines, vehicles, weapons and supplies to shore.
The initial contract announced Friday covers detail design and construction of the first Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) test and training craft, and includes options for up to eight additional craft that can bring the award to a value of $570.5 million dollars.
The Textron team includes L3 Communications and Alcoa. The partnership beat out a team consisting of Marinette Marine, Lockheed Martin [LMT], GE Marine [GE], Oceaneering and Griffon Hoverwork, according to the team’s website.
The SSC is intended to replace the Navy and Marine Corps fleet of Land Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) vehicles also built by Textron. The Navy plans to buy up to 80 SSCs under the estimated $4 billion program.