Birdon starts production of ASC-M prototypes for USMC

Port Macquarie-based Birdon Group has begun construction of the first of two prototype ASC-M landing craft for the US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL).  The MWCL selected Birdon to design and build two prototype Ancillary Surface Craft (ASC) to demonstrate emerging concepts under the Marine Corps’ Force Modernization objectives.

The ASC is designed to carry up to 40 embarked troops and 54 tons of cargo, with exceptional manoeuvrability, stability, and long-range ocean transit capability. It marks a critical step forward in delivering next-generation landing craft solutions to inform future capabilities, tactics, and procedures, the company says.

Birdon has partnered with C&C Marine and Repair (C&C) to build two vessels at their Belle Chasse yard in Louisiana. Delivery is scheduled one year after construction begins, demonstrating Birdon’s commitment to expediting capability to the warfighter, and a collaborative approach in defence and maritime manufacturing, according to the company.

MCWL and Birdon collaborated to balance requirements, operational capabilities, cost, and producibility, it adds.  The team focused on advanced design concepts to improve production automation, requiring fewer hours to build each craft.  The collaboration resulted in moving from concept to an affordable, production-friendly design, ready for construction in less than 12 months.  The incorporation of automated production features allows for the rapid scaling of output to meet future demands.

Birdon CEO Jamie Bruce said Birdon’s ASC design was selected for its superior capabilities and ability to be customized for the unique challenges of the US Marine Corps operating environments. “Our naval architects and marine engineers designed this craft from the ground up, integrating cutting-edge sonar and fuel systems to enhance operational success,” he added.

To ensure safe landings on uncharted beaches, Birdon worked with a specialist sonar company to develop and integrate an advanced forward-looking sonar system, allowing operators to detect obstacles and assess beach gradients well ahead of the vessel. The vessel is designed to beach and de-beach in gradients significantly shallower than existing landing craft can support, providing enhanced, safe amphibious operations capability.

Birdon’s ASC design also features a cutting-edge fuel delivery and transfer system that allows for efficient vessel-to-vessel or vessel-to-land fuel transfer, supporting extended operational range and flexibility in challenging environments.

This collaboration with the US Marine Corps underscores Birdon’s position as a trusted partner to the US Department of Defense, says the company which now has five US-based facilities.