Construction contract for JHSV 4 and 5

As prime contractor, Austal was awarded the construction contract for the first 103-metre JHSV in November 2008, with options for nine additional vessels expected to be exercised between FY09 and FY13. The Austal JHSV team includes platform systems engineering agent General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems who is responsible for the design, integration and test of the ship’s mission systems, including internal and external communications, electronic navigation, and aviation and armament systems.

Austal received authorisation from the Navy to start construction on the first U.S. Army vessel of the contract (JHSV 1) in December 2009 after completing the rigorous design in a 12-month period. It is on schedule for launch in June 2011 and delivery in December 2011. Construction on JHSV 2 began in Austal’s Module Manufacturing Facility on September 13, 2010.

The JHSV is similar to the Austal-built “WestPac Express” operated by the U.S. Marine Corps for the past nine years, but with the addition of a flight deck for helos and a slewing vehicle ramp on the starboard quarter which enables use of austere piers and quay walls, common in developing countries. The JHSV will transport medium-size operational units with their vehicles, or reconfigure to provide troop transport for an infantry battalion, allowing units to transit long distances while maintaining unit integrity. The vessel will also be capable of supporting humanitarian relief efforts, operating in shallow waters (under 4 metres) which will further enhance theater port access, and reaching speeds in excess of 35 knots fully loaded. The Joint High Speed Vessels will be a joint-use platform operated by both the United States Army and Navy.