Light SEAL Support Craft
Navy SEALs board an LSSC in 1968
Class overview
NameLSSC (Light SEAL Support Craft)
BuildersGrafton Boatworks
Operators United States Navy
Completed16
General characteristics
Typeriverine assault boat
Length24 ft (7.3 m)
Beam9.5 ft (2.9 m)
Draft1.5 ft (0.46 m)
Propulsion2 × 350hp Ford 427 inboard gasoline engines each driving a water pump-jet
Speed30+ knots
Complement6
Crew3
Armament
Armorceramic armor/woven nylon

The Light SEAL Support Craft (LSSC), was a fast riverine assault boat developed by the United States Navy for use by the United States Navy SEALs in the Vietnam War in 1968.

History

In July 1968 the LSSC began replacing the Patrol Boat, River as the primary vessel for SEAL team riverine operations.[1][2]

The LSSC was later developed into the Strike Assault Boat which entered service in 1970.[3]

References

  1. ^ Swartztrauber, S.A. (May 1970). "River Patrol Relearned" (PDF). U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings: 143.
  2. ^ Young, Darryl (2011). "The Element of Surprise: Navy SEALS in Vietnam". Random House. ISBN 9780307784506.
  3. ^ Friedman, Norman (1987). U.S. Small Combatants, Including PT-boats, Subchasers, and the Brown-water Navy: An Illustrated Design History. Naval Institute Press. p. 369. ISBN 9780870217135.
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