Managing LCAC in the evolving acquisition environment

The major acquisition management steps of the U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) program, beginning in 1969 with the Amphibious Assault Landing Craft (AALC) program, and continuing through the present second source selection, are described. Testing of the AALC JEFF(A) and JEFF(B) successfully demonstrated the ability to carry troops and necessary combat equipment across the beach for unloading on dry land out of the surf zone. Based on the AALC technology, the LCAC program was begun, in adherence with OMB circular A-109, with specifications including a 23.5 craft height on cushion, and an on-cushion length of 88 feet. Successful testing of the LCAC 001 in 1984 and 1985 is reported.