The Biden administration’s floating dock, which cost 320 million dollars, was set up on the coast of Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery to the citizens of the Strip. However, the repair of the pier may take longer than its operation, prompting the US to consider alternative methods for aid delivery.
The American Central Command, responsible for aid in Gaza, admitted that they currently do not have enough means to transfer all of the aid from Cyprus. However, they may choose to activate the 90 LCAC landings in their possession before the pier is repaired. These amphibious crafts are capable of carrying 60-75 tons and can sail at a maximum speed of 40 knots with a range of around 320 km using airbag technology.
Hovercraft have been a topic of interest in the US defense industry for years due to their increasing cost. The decision to use hovercraft for aid delivery raises questions about why they were not utilized from the beginning, especially given technical or logistical challenges with the floating dock, such as trucks arriving partially empty.
Ultimately, using hovercraft for aid delivery could provide a more efficient and reliable means of transport compared to floating docks. The potential advantages of these amphibious crafts warrant further consideration in future humanitarian missions.
