Artist's impression of the new JHSV
US Defence JHSC contract
Australia's shipbuilding company Austal has won the contract to design and build the US Department of Defence's next generation multi-use platform, the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV).
As Prime contractor, Austal will design and construct the first 103-metre JHSV, with options for nine additional vessels expected to be exercised between FY09 and FY13.
The JHSV will be capable of transporting troops and their equipment, supporting humanitarian relief efforts, operating in shallow waters and reaching speeds in excess of 35 knots fully loaded. The vessels will be a joint-use platform operated by both the United States Army and Navy.
The vessels will be built at Austal's US shipyard located in Mobile, Alabama. Upon completion in mid-2009, the first half of the Modular Manufacturing Facility (MMF) (70,000 sqm) will be available for the fabrication of all JHSV modules.
