Article Posted on : - Jun 01, 2012

An artist's rendering of an America-class amphibious assault ship. An HII photo

PASCAGOULA (BNS): The US Navy has awarded a contract to Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) for design and construction of America-class multipurpose amphibious assault ship Tripoli (LHA 7).

The $2.38 billion fixed-price-incentive contract was awarded on Thursday.

The ship will be constructed at HII's Ingalls Operations in Pascagoula, Mississippi and its delivery is expected in 2018, the Navy said.

LHA 7 and LHA 6 are the first two ships in the new America class of amphibious assault ships.

Like the lead ship of the class - the future USS America (LHA 6) - the Tripoli (LHA 7) will have an increased aviation capacity, including an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of aviation maintenance facilities, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity.

The 844-feet long and 106-feet wide vessel will displace 44,971 long tons. The fuel-efficient gas turbine propulsion system will drive the ship in excess of 20 knots.

The large-deck warship will accommodate 1,059 crew (65 officers) and 1,687 troops. It will be capable of carrying a Marine Expeditionary Unit, including Marine helicopters, MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft.

Carrying a complement of F-35s will allow it to serve the role of a small aircraft carrier, HII said.

Ingalls has built five Tarawa (LHA 1) class ships as well as eight Wasp (LHD 1) class ships. Similar to its predecessors, the Tripoli will be able to operate as the flagship for an Expeditionary Strike Group.

The first America class ship (LHA 6) is currently under construction and is scheduled to launch in June, the company said.