Sea trials underway

The first of six new landing craft designed to replace the current LCM8 undergoes testing in Newcastle Harbour. Photo provided by ADI

By Sgt Sybelle Foxcroft

SIX landing craft designed to halve the time it takes to transport soldiers to shore will be introduced into service by 2005.

The first of six – as yet unnamed landing craft, has been introduced as part improvements to Navy amphibious ships. Sea trials to test its ability to transport soldiers, equipment and stores, have begun in Newcastle harbour with HMAS Kanimbla.

ADI Corporate Communications Group Manager Leigh Funston said the watercraft have been designed to significantly improve the time it takes the Navy’s amphibious ships to unload a battalion-size group of soldiers, equipment and stores.

“The watercraft would replace the current vessels in use – the LCM8 – and have a significantly better performance,” he said.

“The vessels are 50 per cent faster during the ship to shore process.”

New features include bow and stern rampswith a two-lane drive-through capability, water jet propulsion and a cargo capacity of 65 tonnes. Armour protection has been enhanced and mountings installed for two 50-calibre machine guns.

The offshore sea trials will be followed by wharf and beach landings.

ADI Managing Director Lucio Di Bartolomeo, said another three of the vessels were currently under construction and all six would be delivered by July 2005.

“It is a new generation vessel, which we are confident will attract international interest,” he said.

“The trials with ADF personnel onboard will see the watercraft functioning as it will be required to in a military environment.”