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VESSEL REVIEW | ASC 1 – Beaching logistics craft prototype for US Marine Corps
The US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory has technically accepted ASC 1, the first Birdon-designed Ancillary Surface Craft prototype for landing personnel, equipment and fuel on unimproved shores. The approximately 150-foot roll-on/roll-off vessel can carry 46 tons of cargo and 40 combat-loaded Marines, with forward-looking sonar supporting navigation in shallow, unsurveyed waters. Acceptance validated operation in Sea State 5, while the design provides for survival in Sea State 7 and independent ocean transits. The prototype now supports technical assessments and tactical experimentation for dispersed littoral logistics, complementing the larger Medium Landing Ship concept.