Defence - High Speed Support Vessels

A new force afloat, Austal's High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV) are helping to change the way militaries get to the fight.

For the US Military the HSSV is transforming the face of transportation as a Theatre Support Vessel (TSV) or High Speed Connector (HSC) offering far reaching force projection and intra-theatre capabilities supporting militaries at every stage the operational scale. It allows commanders to move and control combat power with precise sustainment into unpredictable areas inside the theatre of operations. The TSV is the perfect complement to agile military forces.

Twice as fast as any conventional sealift ship anywhere in the world Austal's fast military support ships get closer to the fight thanks to a draught that is approximately 60% less than its traditional counterpart which frees it from dependence on deepwater ports. This is where these ships excel, discharging troops and equipment at all but the smallest ports, even lagoons and beaches. This flexibility maximizes access and creates considerable logistical and tactical advantages including creating uncertainty for an enemy by having the ability to land forces in locations where they are least expected.

The ability to use austere and degraded ports also creates an advantage over aircraft, which are naturally limited by the size and quality of landing sites available.

Multi-purpose operational roles:

Amphibious assault support
Rapid personnel deployment
Helicopter support
Search and rescue
Command and rescue
Humanitarian relief operations
Deployment of police and customs teams

US Department of Defense Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV)

The JHSV (Joint High Speed Vessel) is a new generation, multi-use platform capable of transporting troops and their equipment, supporting humanitarian relief efforts, the ability to operate in shallow waters, and can reach speed in excess of 35 knots fully loaded. The project brings together United States Navy, Army, Marines, and Special Operations Command to pursue a multi-use platform.

Austal has been selected as Prime contractor and will design and construct the first 103-metre JHSV, with options for 9 additional vessels expected to be exercised between FY09 and FY13.

When the US Military contracted Austal's Auto Express 101 metre catamaran "WestPac Express" for operations supporting the Third Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) of the United States Marine Corps in July 2001, they received all the benefits of well-proven commercial ferry technology, constantly enhanced through operational experience with earlier vessels, delivering a low risk solution to their transportation requirements.

"WestPac Express" can accomplish in a single voyage what typically takes US Air Mobility Command multiple flights spread over a 14 to 16 day period, saving III MEF some 250 flights, and millions of dollars, each year, while also completing the overall transport task faster.

Capable of sustaining loaded speeds of 36 knots, "WestPac Express" rapidly transports a complete battalion of more than 950 marines together with up to 550 tonnes of vehicles and equipment, in one lift, delivering considerable strategic and cost advantages.

Since entering service the vessel has covered an impressive 75,000 nautical miles per annum and delivered operational availability of an incredible 99.7% - previously unheard of in military transport circles.

Virtually every piece of equipment in the Marine Corps inventory has been carried on board "WestPac Express" including AAVs, LAVs, HMMWVs (Humvees) and AH-1W Cobra, UH-1N Huey and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters.