Defining State-of-the-Art
The first LCAC's were delivered in 1984, with a service life design of 20 years. After a decade of fleet service, the LCAC will operate well into the 21st century with markedly improved performance and increased life span, because of the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) currently underway.

With SLEP, LCAC will continue to define state-of-the-art, with an expanded performance envelope, reduced operating and maintenance costs and crew workload, and the extension of service life from 20 to 30 years. Most important, SLEP fosters improvement in combat readiness by aligning systems capability with other U.S. Armed Forces during joint operations.

Cargo is easily loaded onto the LCAC via bow and stern ramps, allowing roll on/roll off capability. The LCAC transports up to 150,000 pounds of cargo while in overload mode.

Based on its proven success, LCAC has attracted interest from foreign governments seeking to add amphibious capabilities to their inventories.

After significant design and development efforts, the SLEP program entails installation and testing of modifications to the LCAC that include development and installation of main engine upgrades; design, development and testing of a new skirt system; and modifications to the buoyancy box of the craft. Other work consists of upgrading the communications, navigation and electronic systems, as well as enhancements to the fuel system that will improve trim characteristics.