Lee (thanks buddy) sent me info on the JHSV and its performance on its builders trials.
It performed magnificently. But check out this release...
USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), the innovative high-speed catamaran transport
ship under construction by shipbuilder Austal in Mobile, Alabama,
successfully completed Builder's Sea Trials (BST) on April 19 in the
Gulf of Mexico. The trials encompassed over 50 demonstration events that
enabled the shipbuilder to rigorously test the ship and all of its
systems in preparation for final inspection by the United States Navy
before delivery.
Notable achievements during the trials included a demonstration of
major systems along with first-of-class standardization and
maneuverability trials, reaching a top speed in excess of 35 knots.
A
series of high-speed ahead and astern maneuvers in the Gulf of Mexico
demonstrated the effectiveness of the ship’s four steerable waterjets.
In the course of repeated high-speed turns the ship demonstrated the
stability and agility of the catamaran hullform, with the JHSV
exhibiting virtually no heeling motions throughout the radical turns.
Upon
returning from the full-power trial, Joe Rella, President and Chief
Operating Officer of Austal USA, remarked: “The successful first run
trials for this prototype vessel validates the quality and reliability
of Austal’s shipbuilding know-how. I have never witnessed a more
problem-free Builder’s Sea Trial than USNS Spearhead’s. The
global Austal organization successfully participated in the design,
procurement, and production of this ship with a great outcome, all being
accomplished while locally, Austal USA continues to hire new workers
and expand our facilities. This is a telltale sign of the dedication of
our team of shipbuilding professionals.
On this one I'll admit that my views are "evolving"...
I think it has merit as a multirole ship. Mike at New Wars must be laughing hysterically right now. My conversion to his Fords not Cadillacs Navy is almost complete. But my thinking on this I believe is sound.
If we're going to a containerized, module type system for various tasks then why not use a ship that can carry numerous models of the same?
It has the deck space to easily perform the anti-mine mission set, the only stopping point might be a need to reorganize the interior .
It should be capable of mounting missile launchers on it fantail/landing platform so that it can fire whatever missile the Navy chooses to fight off small boats at distance and of course it can act as a mother ship for Riverines/a fast transport for Marines conducting raids and a host of other missions.
Every mission that the LCS is designed to do with the exception of close combat can probably be better handled with a ship the size of the JHSV.
Conversion complete.
