Combatant Craft Heavy (CCH), Program Number 819
Abstract
The CCH provides platoon-size maritime surface mobility. The current CCH is formerly known as the Sea, Air, Land Insertion, Observation and Neutralization (SEALION) craft. The CCH is a fully-enclosed, climate-controlled, semi-submersible craft that operates in contested environments. The CCH is NSW’s most versatile and survivable combatant craft and the craft of-choice for sensitive maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. CCH capabilities: 40 kt speed; 7 crew + 12 pax / 3,300 lb payload; and 400 nm range. The CCH payload capacity enables inclusion of shock mitigating seats for the piloting team, which is critical for ride quality, operator tactical readiness, and operator health. At 77+ feet long, the CCH is C-17/C-5 transportable and can launch/recover by gray hull well deck, shore based mobile travel lift, or crane. The CCH is aligned with the 2022 NDS imperatives to support SOF in the realm of strategic competition and provide regional presence and deterrence. By deploying these craft, NSW can demonstrate the U.S. military's commitment to allies and partners, deter potential adversaries, and respond rapidly to emerging threats. This aligns with the strategy's emphasis on maintaining a credible deterrent posture and strengthening alliances and partnerships. Continued investment in this craft ensures efficient and sustainable capabilities which establish our competitive advantage, enable assured access in contested maritime environments, and posture SOF and the Joint Force to meet challenges of persistent transboundary threats and future operating environments. Additionally, this platform provides access into contested areas to enable effects that may have previously required support from the Submarine Force, ensuring that NSW can continue supporting the joint fires plans even with an asset constrained submarine force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 1c883e36b9e52fdb16f0ce8e119d4dad
Related Documents
- Root: Maritime Systems