THE NEW WAVE OF MARINE LANDING CRAFT.

BAE Systems' new Littoral Strike Craft combines advanced stealth, comfort, and modularity to redefine modern amphibious mission capabilities.

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If you've ever been in a speedboat in anything other than flat, calm conditions, you'll know how uncomfortable it can be as you hit each wave. Now imagine travelling 150 nautical miles on rough seas at night, with the prospect of operating complex digital equipment or a potential firefight as soon as you step off the boat.

This is the challenge BAE Systems is meeting with their new Littoral Strike Craft concept - to take Commando forces at speed over long distance, then deliver them in a fit state to fight at the other end and get back safely afterwards.

Most of today's 'connector craft' (small craft whose role is to ferry people and equipment from larger amphibious ships to the shore) don't look very different to the D-Day landing craft of 80 years ago. They're flat-fronted to provide a landing ramp, aren't expected to operate in the open ocean (typically no more than 12 nautical miles from the coast) and are not stealthy. BAE is developing a craft that addresses all these points and have already started validating the new hull design.

There are three key design drivers for the boat, which have been at the centre of every decision we've made. They are: Arrive fit to fight - reduce the risk of injury, discomfort and motion sickness during the journey to the mission, so that embarked Commandos are in the best possible condition to carry out their mission.

Deliver people and equipment over the horizon travel at least 150nm range at high speed, enabling larger amphibious shipping to keep a greater distance from the shore (reducing their susceptibility to drones and anti-ship missiles).