Solgae 631-class LCAC

The Solgae 631-class LCAC (Hangul: 솔개 631급, Hanja: 솔개631級), often called Solgae class (Hangul: 솔개급 고속상륙정, Hanja: 솔개級高速上陸艇) after the name of lead ship, is an air-cushioned landing craft (LCAC) designed for the Republic of Korea Navy. Built by Hanjin Heavy Industries, they're designed to operate from the ROKS Dokdo and the future Dokdo-class amphibious assault ships. This project was known as the LSF-II or Landing Ship Fast-II during development.

ROKS Solgae 631
Class overview
Name	Solgae 631 class
Builders	Hanjin Heavy Industries
Operators	Republic of Korea Navy
In commission	2007–present
Planned	8
Building	6
Completed	4
Active	4
General characteristics
Type	Air-cushioned landing craft
Displacement	100 t (98 long tons; 110 short tons) (empty),[1] 155 t (153 long tons; 171 short tons) (full load)[2]
Length	27.9 m (91 ft 6 in)[2]
Beam	14.6 m (47 ft 11 in)[2]
Propulsion	2 × gas turbines
Speed	40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph)
Range	185 km (115 mi) at 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph)[2]
Capacity	Up to 55 t (54 long tons; 61 short tons)
Complement	24 crew 1 main battle tank
Armament	2 × K6 12.7 mm machine guns

Design

The craft can carry a maximum load of 55 tons, land on hostile beaches doing 40 knots and it can climb at up to 6 degrees. They have 12.7 mm machine guns for self defense. The crew cockpit carries three crew and a landing-force commander. The LCAC can carry, in addition to troops, a main battle tank or two amphibious assault vehicles. So far four of these units have been delivered, and more are likely to be ordered. It has been offered for export to foreign navies.^[1]

References

1. "솔개, 바다를 날아오르다". Defense Acquisition Program Administration. July 2023. Archived from the original on 27 April 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
2. "South Korea speeds up delivery of new hovercraft to boost local industry". Navy Recognition. 10 February 2017. Archived from the original on 3 June 2020. Retrieved 3 June 2020.

External links