NAVY FACT FILE LANDING CRAFT AIR CUSHION MISSION: Transport weapons systems, equipment, cargo and personnel of the assault elements of the Marine Air/Ground Task Force both from ship to shore and across the beach. COMMENTARY: The landing craft air cushion (LCAC) is a fully amphibious air cushion vehicle capable of operating from existing and planned well deck ships. Forty-eight air-cushion landing craft were authorized and appropriated through FY 89. All are under contract with 16 of these craft delivered. Lockheed Shipbuilding Company was competitively selected as a second source. The FY 1990 budget request includes $219.3 million for nine craft. The FY 1991 request includes full funding for 12 LCACs and advance procurement in support of the FY 1992 program (nine craft). CHARACTERISTICS Displacement: 200 tons full load Length: 88 feet Beam: 47 feet Speed: 40 plus knots with payload Cargo Capacity: 60 tons/75 ton overload Power Plant: Four Avco-Lycoming gas turbines; 12,280 bhp; two shrouded reversible-pitch propellers; four double-entry fans for lift Armament: 2 M-60 MG Range: 200 miles at 40 knots with payload Complement: 5 Builder: Textron Marine Systems/Lockheed SOURCE: Department of the Navy (OP-03PA); Washington, DC 20350-2000; (202) 697-6049