LCAC

The name LCAC is the acronym for “Landing Craft Air Cushion”, which is a type of hovercraft used by U.S. Marine Corps and the Japanese Navy. Its main task is to transport soldiers and equipment from landing ships to beaches in amphibious operations from distances up to 50 km. The project began in the early 70s, although deliveries to the US Navy did not begin until 1987. Until 2001, 91 units had been delivered to the Marines, and 6 more were delivered to the Japanese Navy. Currently remains 72 modernized LCACs in service with US Navy, 8 of which have been transformed for counter-mining tasks in the mid-90s. This type of vehicle has not been widely used in other Navies due to its complexity and difficult maintenance, making them very expensive to use, although they are really effective for the task they were created.

LCAC gallery and more info