Snowbird Technologies and Materials Sciences Corporation Announce Launch of New Composite Environmental Control Unit for U.S. Navy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Oct. 28, 2025 - PRLog -- Snowbird Technologies, in collaboration with Materials Sciences (MSC), recently announced the launch of the LCAC 36K BTU/HR Composite Environmental Control Unit (Model LCAC100-512-001C) — a lightweight, corrosion-resistant system engineered to deliver reliable performance in the most demanding maritime environments.

This new ECU represents a major step forward in environmental control technology for the U.S. Navy's Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) and Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) hovercraft fleets. Combining Snowbird's proven climate-control systems with MSC's advanced non-metallic composite materials expertise, the LCAC 36K Composite ECU delivers superior durability, reduced maintenance needs, and enhanced sustainability for naval operations.

The unit features a fiberglass composite cabinet with an epoxy-coated finish, Heresite-coated aluminum internals, stainless steel hardware, and insulated, corrosion-resistant copper refrigeration lines. This construction ensures long-lasting protection and performance in high-salt, high-humidity marine conditions.

Compact and efficient, the LCAC 36K Composite ECU provides filtered, cooled, and heated air through a single, self-contained system powered by an electric motor for continuous operation under varying loads.

Key Performance Highlights

• Operating temperature range: -34°C to 26°C (-30°F to 80°F heating) and 12°C to 52°C (55°F to 125°F cooling)
• Two-stage heating: 9,500 BTU/hr (low) and 14,500 BTU/hr (high), totaling 24,000 BTU/hr
• Lightweight, easy-handling design with integrated lifting handles
• Remote control panel for on-craft environmental control switch connection
• R-134A refrigerant for reliable, efficient performance

"This effort brings together the best of both worlds—Snowbird's rugged and reliable state-of-the-art climate-control unit technology and MSC's expertise in advanced non-metallic materials," said

Luke Colone, Chief Technical Officer of Materials Sciences Corporation. "We're proud to jointly support the Navy's drive for increased sustainability for its Air Cushioned Vehicle fleet."

"Snowbird Technologies has proudly supported the U.S. Navy's LCAC and SSC programs for decades," added Scott Morse, Chief Executive and Owner of Snowbird Technologies. "This new composite model reflects our continued commitment to innovation, mission readiness, and the modernization of critical ship-to-shore systems."

For more than 30 years, Snowbird Technologies has specialized in designing, manufacturing, and testing custom environmental control systems for the Department of Defense and its prime contractors. Likewise, Materials Sciences Corporation, with over five decades of experience in composite material development and production, continues to lead the industry in delivering advanced, high-performance solutions for naval and defense applications.

To learn more about the LCAC 36K Composite ECU and Snowbird's full line of ECUs, visit https://www.snowbirdtech.com/ecu.

About Snowbird Technologies

Founded in Jacksonville, Florida, Snowbird Technologies designs and manufactures advanced environmental control units, atmospheric water generators, and expeditionary manufacturing systems for military and industrial applications. With over three decades of experience supporting the U.S. Department of Defense, Snowbird delivers rugged, field-proven systems that perform in the world's harshest environments.
Learn more at https://www.snowbirdtech.com.

About Materials Sciences Corporation (MSC)

For more than 50 years, Materials Sciences (MSC) has been a leader in the development, testing, and application of advanced composite materials. From concept design to structural engineering and production fabrication, MSC delivers innovative composite solutions for defense, aerospace, and industrial customers worldwide. Learn more at https://www.msc-llc.com/.