Austal hosts keel laying for JHSV 1

The event celebrates the erection of the first modules on the US Department of Defense’s next generation multi-use platform, the 103m aluminium catamaran Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV). This is part of a 10-ship program potentially worth over $1.6 billion.

Named Spearhead, the JHSV 1 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. This is the first of a class of 10 vessels to be operated by both the US Army and Navy.

Austal USA is the prime contractor, responsible for designing and constructing the 103m high-speed catamaran. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems is the platform mission systems engineering agent responsible for the design, integration and testing of the ship’s mission systems, including internal and external communications, electronic navigation, and aviation and armament systems.

Spearhead will be the first ship built from modules fabricated entirely in oAustal’s Module Manufacturing Facility and demonstrates the successful execution of Austal’s plan which has been focused on facility and process development, combining with the best shipbuilders in the world to be an efficient producer of high quality vessels.

Austal’s initial JHSV contract included options for nine additional vessels to be awarded between FY09 and FY13 for a total value of up to $1.6 billion. JHSV 2 is scheduled for start of construction in autumn 2010 and JHSV 3 in spring 2011. Austal also recently received an award from the US Navy which funds long lead-time material acquisition efforts for JHSV 4 and 5.