The fore part of the second Mistral-class assault landing ship, under construction at STX France shipyard for Russia, the LHD Sevastopol (N33) has been completed by the addition of a 440 t block.
This operation will be followed by the erection of radar masts at the beginning of 2014 and by addition of the aft part of the ship, due for arrival from Saint Petersburg (Russia) at the beginning of summer 2014.
Under the EUR 1.2 bln. contract signed in 2011, Moscow and Paris agreed on construction of two Mistral-class ships, the project’s head contractor being DCNS. Until now, 11 hull sections have been constructed at STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, which has been tasked for assembly of 90% of each ship, to be outfitted at naval base Toulon.
Displacement of a Mistral-class assault landing ship is 21,000 tons, with the overall length of 210 meters and speed over 18 knots. The operating range of the vessel, which can accommodate up to 160 men plus 450 marines, is up to 20,000 miles. Air wing comprises 16 helicopters including six placed on the flight deck.
[mappress] SBT Staff, December 20, 2013