Article Posted on : - Sep 15, 2011

The Joint High Speed Vessel. An Austal photo

MOBILE, US (BNS): Leading shipbuilder Austal USA has launched the first Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV 1) for the US military.

The vessel, named Spearhead, was launched on Monday at the shipyard’s Mobile facility in Alabama.

The 103-meter catamaran has been designed as a multi-use platform, capable of providing rapid intra-theatre deployment and transportation of personnel, equipment and supplies, while supporting military logistics, sustainment and humanitarian relief operations.

Austal was awarded the first JHSV contract by the US Department of Defence in November 2008 with options for nine additional vessels.

It has since then been awarded contracts for a further five JHSVs. Construction on JHSV 2, ‘Vigilant’, is underway at the shipyard’s Module facility.

The company plans to deliver the Spearhead to the Navy early next year.

The JHSV has been designed to transport troops and equipment, support humanitarian relief efforts, operate in shallow waters and reach speeds in excess of 35 knots fully loaded.

The vessels will be a joint-use platform between the United States Army and Navy.