The US Navy launched a "floating monster" — the new amphibious assault ship can carry 7 times more than the C-17

LCU 1710 is not just a boat, but a giant from shore to shore

LCU 1710, a new amphibious assault ship capable of carrying more than 1.2 million pounds (about 544 tons), was launched at the shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. For comparison: This is seven times more than the C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the US Air Force can lift into the air. Such a ship is not just a means of delivery, but a bridge between the fleet and land, capable of transferring tanks, armored vehicles, building modules and even floating cranes directly to an unequipped shore.

The LCU 1710 is a machine for those tasks where aircraft are powerless and ports are inaccessible.

Austal USA is betting on steel

Austal USA, known primarily for aluminum ships, is now seriously entering the steel shipbuilding market. LCU 1710 is the first ship of this class built by the steel company. This is an important step: steel is cheaper, stronger, and better suited for large, long-lived vessels, especially in heavy-duty environments.

The project is funded under a $91.5 million contract with the U.S. Navy, concluded in 2023. A total of 12 such ships are planned to be built, and LCU 1710 became the first of this series.

What is a ship carrying that is heavier than an airplane?

Imagine: several Abrams tanks, a column of armored personnel carriers, or heavy engineering equipment can be loaded onto the deck of this ship at once. It is capable of operating from LSD or LPD type ships, taking cargo on board in the open sea, and then delivering it directly to the beach — without the need for ports or berths.

Such mobility is critically important for amphibious operations, humanitarian missions, and the deployment of bases in remote areas.

Twelve of them, and the whole army is on the move

Three LCUs are already being built at the Austal shipyard at the same time. The work will continue over the next decade. Each new ship will increase the Navy's operational flexibility, allowing it to respond more quickly to crises, deploy equipment, and support expeditionary forces.

LCU 1710 is not just a fleet upgrade. This is a step towards a new level of maritime mobility.

Sources

1. WorkBoat — start of LCU 1710 construction
2. Army Recognition — launch of LCU 1710 and its role
3. Naval News — LCU 1700 program details and specifications
4. Naval Technology — overview of the Landing Craft Utility 1700-class project