Austal’s USA shipyard, based in Mobile, Alabama, recently celebrated the successful launching of the US Department of Defence’s first-of-class Joint High Speed Vessel, “Spearhead”.
The 103m catamaran has been designed as a multi-use platform, capable of providing rapid intra-theatre deployment and transportation of personnel, equipment and supplies, while supporting military logistics, sustainment and humanitarian relief operations.
As prime contractor, Austal was awarded the construction contract for the first 103-metre JHSV in November 2008, with options for nine additional vessels between FY09 and FY13. Construction on JHSV 2, “Vigilant”, is well underway at Austal’s Module Manufacturing Facility, and contracts have been awarded for a further five JHSVs.
Specifications
Hull number 630
Hull type Catamaran
Length 103.00 metres
Speed 35 knots loaded, 43 knots without payload
Crew Accommodations Embarked troop berthing for 150 troops and airline style seating for 312 Troops at 5.25 ft seating pitch
Payload 635MT
Range 1200nm at 35knots
Troop Seats 312
Draft 3.8m. Superior Draft for Austere Port Access
Fuel Consumption Superior Fuel Efficiency to reduce operating costs. Proven MTU 8000 engines as used on LCS and Hawaii Superferry
[mappress]
Source: austal, September 14, 2011;