LCAC SLEP

The LCAC Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) is a major Navy initiative under the Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy appropriation, focused on extending the operational lifespan of the Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) fleet. The program's primary goal is to ensure the continued availability and reliability of LCACs, which are essential for transporting weapon systems, equipment, cargo, and personnel of the Marine Air/Ground Task Force from ship to shore and across the beach. By extending the service life of these craft beyond their original twenty-year design, the Navy aims to maintain critical amphibious capabilities while deferring the need for new procurement.

The LCAC SLEP incorporates several objectives, including upgrading propulsion systems, repairing corrosion damage, replacing obsolete electronics, upgrading the C4N suite, and replacing the deep skirt. These modifications address reliability and capability gaps that have emerged over years of service. The program also ensures compliance with evolving operational requirements and technological standards, particularly in communications and navigation. The SLEP effort was completed in March 2022 with the delivery of LCAC SLEP 77, marking the conclusion of the initial phase of service life extension activities.

The LCAC Extended Service Life Extension Program (ESLEP) builds upon the SLEP foundation, with a focus on further modernization and sustainment. ESLEP objectives include repairing corrosion damage, replacing obsolete electronics, upgrading the C4N suite with cyber hardening enhancements, and replacing the deep skirt. These upgrades are designed to address persistent maintenance challenges and ensure the LCACs remain effective in increasingly contested and technologically advanced environments. The ESLEP also incorporates lessons learned from earlier SLEP activities to optimize cost and schedule performance.

For Fiscal Year 2026, the Navy requests mandatory funding for the LCAC ESLEP, supporting the contract award and availability for one craft. This funding is justified by the need to sustain the LCAC fleet's operational readiness and to avoid capability gaps in amphibious operations. The ESLEP activities are managed by the Landing Craft Planning Yard, which oversees design, engineering, and production schedules in coordination with shipbuilder Walashek. The program's procurement schedule includes contract awards, construction starts, and delivery dates for multiple ESLEP units, ensuring a steady flow of upgraded craft into the fleet.

Each ESLEP unit undergoes a comprehensive upgrade process, with production schedules tailored to minimize operational disruptions. LCAC ESLEP 81 was awarded in March 2023, with delivery scheduled for December 2025, while ESLEP 76, 73, and 79 follow in subsequent years. The typical timeline from contract award to delivery ranges from 24 to 33 months, reflecting the complexity of the upgrade work and the need for thorough testing and fitting out. The Navy's approach emphasizes both cost efficiency and schedule reliability, with detailed cost estimates provided for basic construction, electronics, hull, mechanical, and electrical upgrades.

In terms of resource allocation, the program's budget line includes prior year advance procurement, cost to complete, hurricane recovery, and transfer adjustments, ensuring full funding for each ESLEP availability. Outfitting and post-delivery costs are also included to support final integration and operational testing. The Navy's justification for continued investment in the LCAC ESLEP centers on maintaining amphibious lift capacity, addressing aging fleet challenges, and supporting joint force operational requirements.