vessels - high-speed military support

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 Defence 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.