Textron NOLA begins hovercraft

NEW ORLEANS – Textron Systems New Orleans is marking the start of production of the Navy's new, aluminum-hull hovercraft that’s designed to haul heavy equipment and supplies over water and beaches. Crews are currently making a test and training model of the "Ship to Shore Connector" hull, says Tom Williams, spokesman for Textron. It's expected to be completed in 2017. Production model work is expected to start in early 2015. The contract, worth $212 million for a design/build; and another $358 million for eight craft by 2020, was announced in July 2012. The Navy ultimately plans to buy 72 production models. Textron has been making amphibious landing craft for 20 years. The older ones are being fitted with new equipment, a process expected to continue into 2016. (Source: The Associated Press, 12/15/14)