Article Posted on : - Jul 01, 2010

An official photo of US Navy wasrship.

PASCAGOULA, US (BNS): US defence company Northrop Grumman has received a $175 million contract from the US Navy for advance procurement of materials and initial design and planning of the LHA 7 large-deck amphibious warship.

As per the contract, the company will purchase long-lead time materials and major equipment, such as the main reduction gears, for the new ship besides its initial designing and planning.

The work will be performed at the company�s Gulf Coast facilities. With all contract options exercised, the contract value could reach $193 million, Northrop said.

LHA 7 is the second new class of large-deck amphibious assault ship to be built for the US Navy. Northrop is currently constructing LHA 6 �America� for the navy.

LHA 7 will be 844 feet long and 106 feet wide and weigh 44,854 tons. Its hybrid propulsion system will drive it to speeds in excess of 22 knots on its gas turbines. It will accommodate 1,204 crew and 1,871 troops.

The warship will have an extended hangar deck with two higher hangar bay areas, each fitted with an overhead crane for aircraft maintenance. The ship will also provide increased aviation fuel capacity, stowage for aviation parts and support equipment.

In addition, LHA 7 will be able to embark and launch the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, cargo and attack helicopters, and the short take-off vertical landing (STOVL) variant F-35B Lightning II Strike Fighter.