The Office of Naval Research is looking at a very large hovercraft for amphibious operations.
It would have a 2500 mile range at 20kts, followed by a 250 mile 40+kt dash to the beach, with a 500-750 ton cargo capability, as versus the 70 ton capability with a 200 mile range for the LCAC currently in deployment.
If this runs true to Navy procurement form, we’ll next hear of it when it’s 18 months late and 35% over budget.