Austal's JHSV completes Navy trials

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Austal USA's high-speed, intra-theater transport ship has successfully completed U.S. Navy acceptance trials.

The ship -- the USNS Spearhead -- is the Navy's first joint high-speed vessel for rapid intra-theater transportation of troops, vehicles and equipment.

"JHSV 1 performed extremely well during these trials, a testament to the hard work and preparation by the Austal-Navy shipbuilding team," said the Navy's JHSV program manager Capt. Henry Stevens. "Spearhead will be a valued asset to our fleet and these trials highlight the revolutionary capabilities of the ship."

JHSV can carry 600 short tons over 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots. It can operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways, interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and can on/off-loading combat-loaded Abrams tanks, the Navy said.

It also features a flight deck.

During the trials, the Navy evaluated the ship's major systems and equipment, including main propulsion and ship control systems.

The Navy said it expects to take delivery of the vessel this year.