Less than one year after beginning fabrication of Spearhead (JHSV 1), Austal has commenced construction on Vigilant (JHSV 2), the second of up to ten 103-meter Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV).
On July 22 2010 the official Keel Laying Ceremony was held at Austal’s shipyard for Spearhead (JHSV 1) which is on schedule for launch in June 2011 and delivery in December 2011. Austal was selected as Prime contractor in November 2008 to design and build the first JHSV, with options for nine additional vessels expected to be exercised between FY09 and FY13. Since then, Austal has received construction contracts for JHSV 1, JHSV 2, and JHSV 3 and Long Lead Time Material contracts for JHSV 4 and JHSV 5.
Rapid Intra-Theater Deployment and Transportation
As the U.S. Department of Defense’s next generation multi-use platform, the 103-meter JHSV will provide rapid intra-theater deployment/transportation of personnel, equipment and supplies. The vessel will support military logistics, sustainment and humanitarian relief operations and will be capable of speeds up to 43 knots. Proof of the value of this program for humanitarian efforts was evidenced in January 2010 when the Austal-built 113-meter aluminum catamaran, Huakai, was successfully deployed to transport members of the U.S. Army’s Transportation Corps from Ft. Eustis, Virginia, along with their equipment, to Haiti following the earthquake that devastated that region less than two weeks prior to Huakai’s arrival.
Assembly Line Efficiency
Spearhead (JHSV 1) is the first Austal design to be constructed using the new procedures and processes developed in conjunction with Austal’s Module Manufacturing Facility (MMF). The MMF provides Austal with assembly line efficiency, which should result in significant cost savings and reduced lead times.
Tasks
The Austal JHSV will transport medium-size operational units with their vehicles, or reconfigure to provide troop transport for an infantry battalion, allowing units to transit long distances while maintaining unit integrity. The vessel also supports helicopter operations and has a slewing vehicle ramp on the starboard quarter which enables use of austere piers and quay walls, common in developing countries. A shallow draft (under 4 meters) will further enhance theater port access.
Engineering Agent
The Austal JHSV team includes platform systems engineering agent General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems who is responsible for the design, integration and testing of the ship’s mission systems, including internal and external communications, electronic navigation, and aviation and armament systems.
