Austal builder's trials for naval vessel

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MOBILE, Ala., March 18 (UPI) -- The second Joint High Speed Vessel for the U.S. Navy being built by Austal USA has completed builder's sea trials.

In the trials, the catamaran-hulled ship's propulsion system was run at different power levels, communications and navigation systems were evaluated and the ships four steerable waterjets were put through a series of steering maneuvers at high speed.

"JHSV 2 is the second ship in this class to go through rigorous builder's trials testing," said Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager Capt. Henry Stevens. "At this stage, JHSV 2 is more complete than the lead ship, and we are benefitting from JHSV 1's lessons learned.

"This was the first step in preparing the ship for acceptance trials and delivery later this year."

The JHSV is a high-speed, shallow draft vessel. It will be used transport of medium-sized cargo payloads in theater. In addition to delivering cargo, the vessel features an aviation flight deck and seating for more than 300 troops.