Austal Unveils High Speed Military Vessel

Highly capable, multi-role catamaran is purpose designed for defence duties.

Reflecting the heightened military interest in the use of commercial fast ferry technology, Austal has, for the first time, released details of one of its advanced military platforms to the global defence industry. Developed in response to existing naval requirements and incorporating advanced hull and propulsion technology, the Austal High Speed Vessel – Multipurpose (HSV–M) is just one example of the potential effectiveness of high-speed vessels for future naval and other military roles.

The surge in military interest in large high speed craft is evidenced by United States defence organizations contracting four such vessels in the last 20 months, and a number of major projects in the pipeline. This includes the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project, which may eventually require 60 ships, and the US Army’s upcoming Theater Support Vessel program.

Austal is well-positioned to fulfil these contracts, with the purpose-built Austal USA shipyard already well-established in Mobile, Alabama and already providing Austal’s world-leading high-speed vessel technology to the US market.

Austal’s new HSV–M design is based on the company’s proven 101 metre catamaran platform which has proved to be a great success in both commercial and military roles, including the Theatre Support Vessel “WestPac Express” currently operating with great success for the US Marines.

Although based on Austal’s world-leading fast ferry design and construction technology, the Austal HSV–M has been designed from the keel up to meet military requirements for a highly capable and multi-purpose platform. For example, the military vessel incorporates a significant increase in structural strength in the bow and tunnel areas, enabling it to operate at higher speeds in more extreme sea conditions than a typical fast ferry.

It can undertake a variety of roles with a high degree of interoperability, both with other vessels and port infrastructures. Possible roles for the Austal HSV–M include:

• Support of amphibious assault operations using small boats and amphibious vehicles;
• High speed deployment of troops and military hardware including tanks;
• Deployment and support of helicopters for reconnaissance, combat search and rescue, vertical replenishment, special warfare support, airborne mine countermeasures and other military activities;
• Co-ordination and command of other military vessels; and
• Disaster and humanitarian relief operations including the provision of supplies and evacuation of personnel and equipment.

To ensure these capabilities are delivered in a cost-effective manner the Austal HSV–M would be produced to commercial construction standards and outfitted with commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment wherever possible.

Propelled by four steerable waterjets that deliver extreme manoeuvrability, and powered by four fuel efficient medium speed diesel engines, the Austal HSV–M can sustain speeds in excess of 38 knots in Sea State 3 when loaded with 450 tonnes of troops and equipment and carrying sufficient fuel for a range of 1,100 nautical miles. It has a range of over 4,000 nautical miles at an average speed of 20 knots.

The HSV–M’s layout features one vehicle deck with stern and side ramps; main deck level with helicopter deck and hanger, accommodation and work spaces; and the bridge deck.

The vehicle deck provides over 1,765 square metres of useable space and can carry a range of military hardware including M1 Abrams (M1A1) Main Battle Tanks, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), LARC and AAV amphibious vehicles, and semi-trailers. Helicopters and cargo can also be transported on the vehicle deck.

Stern and side ramps allow for rapid and efficient loading and offloading of vehicles even in rudimentary ports and the amphibious vehicles can be launched and retrieved directly to and from the water via the stern ramp. Boats up to 11 metres in length and a variety of unmanned underwater and surface vehicles can be carried on the vehicle deck and launched and retrieved in up to Sea State 3.

The Austal HSV–M has been configured to carry and support a detachment of two multi-mission military helicopters such as the Sikorsky MH-60S. These can be stored and maintained in a weather-tight hanger space on the upper deck.

In addition to the MH-60S aircraft, the helo deck enables the HSV–M to operate with military helicopters including twin rotor medium lift assault helicopters and the latest attack helicopters.

This unique design provides permanent berthing for 100 ships personnel, including toilet and shower facilities on the upper deck. In addition, 250 business class quality reclining seats with armrests and tray tables are fitted forward for troops or survivors/evacuees. Part of this area can be quickly and easily re-configured to provide berthing space for 100 personnel. This allows the vessel to operate with a variety of manning profiles, depending on operational requirements, including 200 berthed personnel or 100 berthed and 250 seated personnel.

Austal has an established track record in the timely construction and delivery of similarly sophisticated vessels from its shipyard in Western Australia, and with over 80 vessels to its credit, most of them over 40 metres in length, is clearly a world leader in high performance aluminium vessels. In addition to 14 catamarans over 80 metres, these vessels have included smaller catamaran ferries and monohull patrol boats – a blend that confirms the company’s superior technical expertise in the design, engineering and construction of customized vessels.

With its eyes firmly on the US market for large military vessels, Austal is also increasing capacity at Austal USA, its modern shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. Established over two years ago, the US shipyard currently has a 110 metre by 28 metre assembly hall, with a second facility on the way. The yard has already successfully built three high-speed and one medium-speed aluminium vessels and has another two under construction. This has resulted in a very significant transfer of leading edge production skills and technology from Australia to Austal USA.

With its sound financial base; an extensive and talented design department; flexible production facilities in both Australia and the USA; a large and highly skilled workforce; and professional and experienced management, Austal is confident that it is best able to meet long-term global needs for cost-effective, high speed military capability at sea. The Austal HSV–M justifies that confidence.