Canberra Class LHD

[Exsandgroper]

From reading my free issue of the APDR mag, in an article by Ted Hooton ( from London) he reports on some changes to the Canberra class LHD. Tonnage to be reduce by approx. 1200, speed by 2 knots, an increase of carried troops from 902 to 978, the SPS-49 might be selected for Air Search (as the selected combat system 9LV is not configured for air defence why have the SPS-49).
As I can't find anything on Google can anyone confirm these changes please.

Cheers

[Gubler, A.]

None of this sounds very accurate to me. The Canberra class had their preliminary design review in June 2009 and after that BAE Systems released the latest specification sheet (downloadable as a .pdf from their webpage). The detailed design reviews were held at the end of last year but it’s the prelims that tend to deal with things like overall displacement, accommodations, radar types etc.

The author could be confused between the differences between full load displacements of the Juan Carlos I in its LHD and carrier configurations and the alerted configuration for the Canberra class. For example when in carrier configuration the Juan Carlos I will only displace 24,560 tonnes compared to 27,029 tonnes in LHD. The Canberra class will displace 27,831 tonnes loaded as an LHD.

The troop load of 978 for the Canberra has been standard for a while, that is 978 plus an additional 146 if needed and a total accommodations of 1,403. Maximum speed will be lower than the Juan Carlos but that is because of the difference in displacements between Spanish carrier configuration and Australian LHD configuration.

As to SPS-49 this seems a bit weird. The combat system was frozen some time ago (2008) to include the Ericsson AMB radar. The SPS-49 will be replaced on the Anzac class within 10 years so it seems a bit strange to add one to a new build.

[Milne Bay]

Need some help please Abe. I have scoured the BAE Systems site until my eyes water and can't find that pdf that you mentioned. Do you have a link please.
Thanks
MB

[Gubler, A.]

Did you use their helpful search function? ;-)

http://www.baesystems.com/Search/index.aspx?search=LHD

[Milne Bay]

Search function.....Aaarghh!!!!
It's been a long day.
Thanks Abe - Doh!
MB

[Exsandgroper]

Thanks for the reply Abe, I had checked the BAE System site and didn't see his changes on the PDF and seeing that he is based in the UK I was wondering where he got his info.
My god the APDR has gone to shit since you left. Thank goodness I get a free copy for some reason, maybe because its posted from Singapore.

Also sorry about the PHD in the post heading

[Milne Bay]

My god the APDR has gone to shit since you left.

Agreed, won't be renewing mine.
Thanks again
MB

[buglerbilly]

Amphibious Warship Construction Update

(Source: BAE Australia; issued Jan. 27, 2010)

MELBOURNE, Australia --- Prime contractor BAE Systems today confirmed that construction of the first of Australia’s two new Canberra Class amphibious warships, Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) 01, was progressing well.

Graeme Ormiston, the project’s General Manager, said today that work in Spain was well advanced with main subcontractor Navantia having started construction on 79 of the 105 blocks that will make up the hull platform (up to the flight deck) of each of the 27,000 tonne LHDs.

Mr Ormiston said that production at Navantia’s Ferrol and Fene shipyards began on schedule in September 2008, with the keel laying ceremony for LHD 01 taking place at Ferrol exactly a year later as planned.

“The build strategy requires that each of the 105 blocks, each weighing more than 100 tonnes, have all steelwork completed, painted and outfit maximised before transfer to the Ferrol slipway.

“The build program is progressing well with 13 blocks erected on the slipway so far and a further 66 blocks in various stages of construction.

“Two major shipbuilding milestones have been achieved on time in the last two months with levels of completeness in excess of the required 85 per cent,” Mr Ormiston said.

Ship launch for LHD 01 is scheduled for March 2011 with arrival at Williamstown in 2012.

Mr Ormiston said that Australian manufacturing work to build the superstructures and mast blocks, and then integrate these with the warships, was scheduled to commence at the company’s Williamstown shipyard in Victoria in the second half of 2010.

“Work has already begun on the refurbishment and expansion of key facilities and equipment at Williamstown that will be needed to accommodate these huge ships, including provision for a ground based slipway crane needed to lift blocks of up to 250 tonnes onto the hulls.”

Mr Ormiston said the critical Whole of Ship Design Review phase of the project had also been finalised in December 2009.
“The Design Review program carried out last year, with nine preliminary and detailed reviews taking in place in 12 months culminated in the Whole of Ship DDR, marking another significant milestone towards completion of this historic project,” he said.

BAE Systems is the prime and Mission System Integrator for the LHDs under Joint Project 2048 Phase 4A/4B. Sub-contractors include:

-- Navantia - ship designer;
-- SAAB - Combat System, Combat Management System and the Saab Microwave AMB Radar design;
-- L3 Communications - design and supply of the communications systems;
-- Northrop Grumman Overseas Service Corporation (Sperry Marine) – Combat Navigation System;
--Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd – Gun and Electro-Optical Sight (EOS) system;
-- Sagem Défense Sécurité (Sagem) – Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System, and
-- Argon ST Inc – Torpedo Decoy System.

The ships are due to be taken through acceptance into service by the Royal Australian Navy from January 2014 (LHD 01) and August 2015 (LHD 02).

BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

-ends-

[Unicorn]

My god, read the first issue of APDR in almost two years and it was unspeakable tripe.

I felt like I had completely wasted the the time I spent reading it.

It was once a decent mag, now its a place for the reprint of company media releases and advertorials, backed up by crappy images and printing.

Oh. My. God.

[Exsandgroper]

The Hon. Greg Combet AM MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science

Printer friendly version
02 Feb 2010
14/10
FIRST STEEL CUT FOR LHD 02 AMPHIBIOUS SHIP


Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science today announced that Navantia of Spain has commenced construction of Australia’s second Landing Helicopter Dock hull (LHD 02) at Navantia’s shipbuilding yard in Ferrol, Spain.


“This is a great achievement with the steel being cut by Navantia 7 weeks ahead of schedule,” said Mr Combet.


“The Commonwealth has contracted BAE Systems Australia to provide two large Amphibious Ships (LHDs) that will form part of the ADF’s broader amphibious deployment and sustainment system.


“Under the project the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia is the design authority and is subcontracted to BAE Systems Australia to construct and fit out the hulls of two large Amphibious Ships for the ADF.


“I am pleased to report that the LHD project is on schedule, with whole of ship design reviews completed and the keel laying of LHD 01 taking place exactly one year to the day from first steel being cut.


“After completion of LHD 01 and 02, both hulls will be transported to Australia.”


The superstructures will then be constructed, fitted out and integrated with the hulls at BAE Systems Australia’s Williamstown dockyard.


“Once the hull arrives at Williamstown dockyard, the combat system will be installed by SAAB Systems Australia, which will also integrate the combat management system. The communications system will be supplied by L-3 Communications,” said Mr Combet.


The next milestone will be the launch of LHD 01 in Spain in March 2011. LHD 01 will arrive at Williamstown dockyard in 2012, with LHD 02 arriving in 2014.


Cheers

[Unicorn]

Interesting, have two documents from Navantia I picked up from their stand at Pacific 2010.

Some differences between the original and the RAN version.

Waterline length 207.2 (Spanish) 205.7 (RAN)
Full load displacement 27,560 t (Spanish) 27,831 (RAN)
Draft 7.18 m (Spanish) 7.1 (RAN)
Range at 15 knots 9,000 nm (Spanish) more than 6,000 nm (RAN)

The range difference is particularly noteworthy, I wonder what has made such a difference?

[Milne Bay]

Interesting, have two documents from Navantia I picked up from their stand at Pacific 2010.

Some differences between the original and the RAN version.

Waterline length 207.2 (Spanish) 205.7 (RAN)
Full load displacement 27,560 t (Spanish) 27,831 (RAN)
Draft 7.18 m (Spanish) 7.1 (RAN)
Range at 15 knots 9,000 nm (Spanish) more than 6,000 nm (RAN)

The range difference is particularly noteworthy, I wonder what has made such a difference?
..... and why the reduction in length for greater displacement?
Has the change of length affected the efficiency of the hull form, causing a reduction in range?
Curious.
MB

[Chunder]

Juan Carlos 1. Under Tow, Bilge pumps/Scanner working.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBRgw65QQaE&feature=related

If you can ignore the music you get some pretty good panoramic view of her layout.

... Looks like a nice part of the world - anyone been there?

[buglerbilly]

Classy looking warship but still don't like the rear door and ramp area would be far better with the top deck extnded completely to the rear.............great integration of the ski jump though!

Never been there but it is a beautiful part of Spain..................

[Weasel]

... Looks like a nice part of the world - anyone been there?

Yeh, it is gorgeous. Especially the national parks inland and to the South along the Portuguese border. Although, if memory serves correctly they had some pretty bad wildfires a few years back. Never actually did the Southern loop of Spain. You know, Seville back up to Barcelona along the Medi.

It is also the only place (that I recall) where I have ever seen a beautiful woman strut out into the street, stop and smack her right butt cheek and blow a kiss, as you are waiting for her to cross the street. Enough to turn a man into Bill Murray and "groundhog day" spending the rest of your life driving around the block.

Yeh, you have to go.;)

cheers

w

[Riđđu]

That is Ferrol, right? Remember hanging around in Galicia for couple of days many years ago. Santiago de Compostela was a nice cultural place while people in Finnisterre were relaxed and and a bit of rough.

And no, I didn´t have anything intellectual to say. Nice looking ship, some influences from Sea Control Ship design?

[Milne Bay]

..... and why the reduction in length for greater displacement?
Has the change of length affected the efficiency of the hull form, causing a reduction in range?
Curious.
MB

Does anyone have an explanation for the apparent discrepancies between the two other than my assumption?
MB

[Gubler, A.]

Does anyone have an explanation for the apparent discrepancies between the two other than my assumption?
MB

I very much doubt there is any difference in the hull. But this Australian ship will carry more stuff so it will sit deeper in the water. This will change just what part of the hull is at the waterline and therefore the waterline length. Or there might be some thing added to the aft of the boat that is different between the JCI and Canberra like the width of the stern ramp that changes the dimensions. Or it could just be different standards of measurement based on different ship conditions (how much weight is onboard) changing the water length.

[Gubler, A.]

And no, I didn´t have anything intellectual to say. Nice looking ship, some influences from Sea Control Ship design?

Absolutely as this is a second generation from the PdA which is a Spanish built SCS. Of course the JCI is an LHD, so perhaps an LHD version of the SCS design.

[Milne Bay]

I very much doubt there is any difference in the hull. But this Australian ship will carry more stuff so it will sit deeper in the water. This will change just what part of the hull is at the waterline and therefore the waterline length. Or there might be some thing added to the aft of the boat that is different between the JCI and Canberra like the width of the stern ramp that changes the dimensions. Or it could just be different standards of measurement based on different ship conditions (how much weight is onboard) changing the water length.

Thanks Abe,
I can't seem to get my mind around the huge difference in range between the two.
MB

[Gubler, A.]

Thanks Abe,
I can't seem to get my mind around the huge difference in range between the two.
MB

As mentioned before in this thread the JCI has performance figures in two configurations: carrier and LHD. In carrier mode it is carrying a lot less weight so is faster and burns less fuel while cruising. The other key issue is the JCI is designed to offload fuel to escorting destroyers liike the PdA. This isn't a requirement for the RAN. So the fuel bunkers are probably a lot smaller with that space being dedicated to fuel for helicopters and vehicles.

[buglerbilly]

Navantia Launches Second BAM Maritime Action Ship for the Spanish Armada

(Source: Navantia, issued May 18, 2010)

(Issued in Spanish only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)

The San Fernando-Puerto Real shipyard today at 12:00 launched the second Buque de Acción Marítima (BAM) maritime action ship, the “Rayo” (Lightning) P42 for the Spanish Navy.

The ceremony was chaired by Ms. Carme Chacon Piqueras, the Minister of Defence, in the presence of the President of SEPI, Enrique Martínez Robles, the President of Navantia, Aurelio Martínez Estévez, as well as the highest authority of the Spanish Navy, Admiral Manuel Rebollo Garcia.

This vessel is the second of the initial series of four that Navantia is building for the Spanish Navy, according to the Executive Order signed July 31, 2006, and is expected to continue until a total of 10 units are built. Delivery of the ship is scheduled for 2011.

The construction of these vessels will provide Navantia with 3,130,000 man-hours of work, 270,000 of them in engineering, and ensure its workload until the end of 2011.

It is a vessel of moderate size, high performance, great versatility in terms of missions, a high level of commonality with other Navy ships, and reduced acquisition and life cycle costs.

Its main missions are:

- Protection and escort of other ships
- Control of shipping
- Control and neutralization of terrorist and piracy
- Operations against drug trafficking and human trafficking
- Search and Rescue
- Support for crisis situations and humanitarian aid
- Control of fishing laws
- Control of environmental legislation and anti-pollution.

Key Features:

- Total Length: 93.90 m
- Maximum Beam: 14.20 meters
- Depth to Flight Deck: 7.2 m
- Full Load displacement: 2575 t
- Maximum speed: 20.5 knots
- Range (at 15 knots): 8,000 nautical miles
- Crew: 35 officers and ratings
- Additional capacity: 35 passengers.

-ends-

[ADMk2]

Our Canberra Class LHD's are coming along...



and



Courtesy of Blaz De LEZO at DT and Senalero at fotosdebarcos.com

[buglerbilly]

Navantia Hands Over LHD “Juan Carlos I” to Spanish Navy

(Source: Navantia; issued Sept. 30, 2010)

(Issued in Spanish only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)


The LHD “Juan Carlos I,” seen here on its sea trials and handed over on Sept. 30, is the biggest ship ever ordered by the Spanish Navy. (Navantia photo)

Navantia on Sept. 30 handed over the LHD amphibious ship “Juan Carlos I” to the Spanish navy during a ceremony at the Military Dockyard at Ferrol. His Majesty King Juan Carlos I presided over the official reception of this amphibious ship, which is the largest ever built by Navantia and the largest ever operated by the Spanish navy.

Alberto Núñez Feijóo, president of the Galicia regional government, Defense Minister Carmen Chacón, and the chairman of Navantia, Aurelio Martínez, also attended the ceremony.

The ship, whose keel was laid in 2005, was launched on March 10, 2010 in the presence of their Majesties and the Prince of Asturias, and was christened by Dona Sofia.

For Navantia, the ship generated 6.5 million man-hours of production work and 850,000 hours of engineering work, which translates into over 4,000 direct and indirect jobs. A total of 33 firms also participated in its construction as subcontractors or suppliers.

The size of the “Juan Carlos I” means it is the largest ship ever built by Navantia for the Spanish navy, and several foreign navies are interested in this design.

In 2007 the Royal Australian Navy ordered two similar ships from Navantia.

-ends-

[Mercator]

More Juan Carlos I

[ARH v.3.1]

.

[buglerbilly]

Have we got a Landing Craft design that actually works yet?

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Spain's Aircraft Carrier Begins Air-naval Certification Campaign

Posted by Christina Mackenzie at 2/14/2011 9:28 AM CST

The Juan Carlos I, Spain's amphibious aircraft carrier launched on September 30, 2010, is undergoing year-long sea trials and last week started the process of gaining its air-naval certification. The first helicopter landed aboard on February 8 at 10:51. Other helicopters from the 6th Squadron (Hughes 500) and the 3rd Squadron (AB-212) then followed.


Commander Emilio Aceña Medina brings his helicopter in to land on the Juan Carlos I. Photo credit: Spanish Navy

The next phase will involve landing and take-off of Harrier AV-8B Plus of the 9th Squadron.

The Juan Carlos I can handle up to 30 medium or heavy helicopters when configured as an amphibious helicopter carrier or between 10 to 12 Harriers and a similar number of medium helicopters when configured as an aircraft carrier.


The Juan Carlos I. Photo credits: Spanish Navy

[Unicorn]

Cross Posted from the RAN thread due to its relevance to the amphibs and the Canberra class.


Team of experts to plan way forward on Amphibious Ships Fleet


The Government will appoint an independent team of experts to develop a plan to address problems in the repair and management of the amphibious and support ship fleet.

Mr Paul Rizzo, a Director of a number of major Australian corporations including the National Australia Bank and Malleson Stephen Jacques and the Independent Chair of the Defence Audit and Risk Committee, will lead the team.

He will be supported by Air Vice Marshal Neil Smith (rtd) and Rear Admiral Brian Adams (rtd) who have relevant experience in defence administration, engineering, maintenance, logistics, systems engineering, safety certification and the operation and support of amphibious ships.

The Terms of Reference for their work is released today and attached.

On 1 February, the Government announced that HMAS Manoora was to be decommissioned on the advice of the Chief of Navy. The Manoora was placed on operational pause by the Chief of Navy after the Seaworthiness Board in September last year, and an examination of the 40 year old ship has revealed it requires remediation of significant hull corrosion and the replacement of both gear boxes. As this work would cost over $20 million and take until April 2012 to complete, it is not considered value for money when Manoora was scheduled to be decommissioned at the end of next year.

On receiving that advice the Minister for Defence asked Defence for further advice outlining the reasons for the early decommissioning of HMAS Manoora and the extended unavailability of HMAS Kanimbla.

This advice, released today and attached, identifies systemic and cultural problems in the maintenance of the amphibious ship fleet.

Today we also outline ongoing maintenance activity with respect to HMAS Tobruk.

On 28 January, we were advised that with the decommissioning of HMAS Manoora, and the extended unavailability of HMAS Kanimbla, Navy was maintaining HMAS Tobruk at 48 hours notice for sea to ensure an amphibious lift capability was available.

On 2 February, we were advised that HMAS Tobruk was to commence maintenance work in order to be fully prepared to provide any assistance in the days following Cyclone Yasi, in the event not required.

On 4 February, we were advised that HMAS Tobruk had left its dock and was being prepared to return to 48 hours notice for sea.

This has however not yet occurred as further maintenance issues and problems have been identified.

This work includes efforts to survey, verify, certify and replace a number of safety critical flexible hoses necessary to ensure the safe operation of HMAS Tobruk.

The advice about the amphibious fleet provided by the Secretary of Defence and the Chief of the Defence Force makes it clear that problems with the amphibious fleet have built up over the past decade or more.

It states that many of the seeds of the problems we now face were sown long ago, and insufficient resources have been allocated to address materiel and personnel shortfalls since the ships were brought into service many years ago.

It also states that the establishment of the Seaworthiness Board in 2009 was a long overdue means of providing Chief of Navy with an independent review of maritime systems and its review of the amphibious ships provided a focus on the situation that was not previously available.

It is essential that the problems outlined in the advice are addressed as a matter of priority ahead of the transition to the new Landing Helicopter Dock Ships.

That is why we have asked Mr Rizzo to develop a plan to address the problems identified by the Secretary and the Chief of the Defence Force, to reform these practices, and oversee early stage implementation of those reforms.

Their work will be additional to the new comprehensive transition plan we have asked Defence to prepare to ensure a smooth transition to the introduction of the LHD ships in the middle of the decade.

Media Note:
Reform of Amphibious and Afloat Support Ship Repair and Management Practices Terms of References can be found at:

http://www.defence.gov.au/media/docs/amphibiousReview.doc

Causal factors contributing to the unavailability of the Navy’s two LPAs can be found at:

http://www.defence.gov.au/media/docs/causalFactors.pdf

[Unicorn]

Understand Canberra gets launched tomorrow (Friday 18 Feb).

The program seems to be making good speed.

[ADMk2]

Understand Canberra gets launched tomorrow (Friday 18 Feb).

The program seems to be making good speed.

Australian Defence Industry hasn't had their chance to screw it up just yet...

[buglerbilly]

Australian Defence Industry hasn't had their chance to screw it up just yet...

Unfortunately oh so true..............

[Unicorn]

Oh god yes :pifreak

.

[buglerbilly]

LHD launch paves the way for amphibious transformation

18 February 2011



The hull of the first of the Royal Australian Navy’s two new amphibious ships has been launched in Spain, heralding a new era for Australia’s amphibious capability.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane, led the launch and said the event was enormously significant.

“These ships are officially known as Landing Helicopter Docks or LHDs and are the largest the Australian Navy has ever owned,” Vice Admiral Crane said.

LHD01's hull launch was held at the Navantia dockyards at Ferrol in northern Spain; the event having a distinct Australian feel as children of Australian diplomats joined the official delegation waving Australian flags.

A Canberra regional sparkling wine was broken over the Canberra Class ship’s hull.

Vicki Coates, wife of the late Rear Admiral Nigel Coates who commanded the previous HMAS Canberra, was the ‘launch lady’.

Vice Admiral Crane said with a new generation in technology would come a new way of thinking in terms of how Navy would operate and crew this new capability.

“We are well progressed in our planning for the LHD arrival,” he said.

“I am confident we will have the people and the knowhow by the time the first LHD comes on line.

“Most importantly, for now, this project is on time and on budget.”

Both ships will be based at Garden Island in Sydney.

Crewed by all three services, the LHD will mark a significant strengthening of the ADF’s amphibious capability and tri-service culture.

First of class, HMAS Canberra (LHD01) will arrive in Victoria next year where it will be fitted out before being accepted into service in 2014 with sister ship HMAS Adelaide (LHD02) to follow the year after.

[McFriday]

I hope this link to You-Tube works, I'm not very lucky with links. LOL

"Navantia launches the First Australian LHD, Canberra-Class"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX56aedo2LI&feature=bulletin

What remains to be done in Spain? Surely it doesn't take a year to transport "Canberra" to Vic?

Cheers,
Mac

[buglerbilly]

The link works................

[geof]

Crewed by all three services, the LHD will mark a significant strengthening of the ADF’s amphibious capability and tri-service culture. .

What RAAF personal will crew & why .. ??

[amtp10f]

What RAAF personal will crew & why .. ??

Air Traffic Control. With 6 landing spots per ship and potentially a dozen or more helos in the air the Navy just doesn't have the experience and skill sets to control what is basically a floating airport.

[Exsandgroper]

Air Traffic Control. With 6 landing spots per ship and potentially a dozen or more helos in the air the Navy just doesn't have the experience and skill sets to control what is basically a floating airport.

The RAAF has just Reformed Number 452 and 453 Squadrons at RAAF Base Williamtown for airspace management (see RAAF matters onwards in AIR Warfare). Maybe another squardron will be formed to cover the LHD's.

Cheers

[amtp10f]

The RAAF has just Reformed Number 452 and 453 Squadrons at RAAF Base Williamtown for airspace management (see RAAF matters onwards in AIR Warfare). Maybe another squardron will be formed to cover the LHD's.

Cheers

Navy did have Air Traffic Controllers when we had the carrier. The RAAF took over the ATC at Nowra role a couple of years after Melbourne paid off.

[Gubler, A.]

The RAAF has just Reformed Number 452 and 453 Squadrons at RAAF Base Williamtown for airspace management (see RAAF matters onwards in AIR Warfare). Maybe another squardron will be formed to cover the LHD's.

Only two ATC per ship so I doubt they'd need another squadron!

[amtp10f]

Only two ATC per ship so I doubt they'd need another squadron!

That number is under review as 2 ATC doesn't allow 24 hour ops.

[JimWH]

I'd have thought the minimum number required for theoretically continuous flying operations was four: 8 hour shifts, with one ATC as back-up (although 6 hour shifts with the option to extend to 8 would be the alternative). Of course I think it'll be several years before we start doing continuous flight ops.
As a question, I presume that group fighter direction will be carried out aboard an attendant AWD rather than the LHD?

[ADMk2]

More pics of the launch are available here:

http://www.fotosdebarcos.org/viewtopic.php?t=23631&start=10&sid=0739ea022db60c1d37d0489052b7a9cc

[Milne Bay]

Thanks for the photos.
I can see now why the strengthening blocks and buttresses were needed on the bow:

[Chunder]

can you explain? It's not apparent to me. When Juan Carlos launched I wondered the same thing? Is it to keep the ships bow supported whilst stern is in the water?

[Milne Bay]

can you explain? It's not apparent to me. When Juan Carlos launched I wondered the same thing? Is it to keep the ships bow supported whilst stern is in the water?

Yes that is exactly how I see it.
There is a moment when the bow is still on the slipway and the stern is being thrust upward by the hull's buoyancy. Unsupported, I think that the bow itself may tear or rupture as it is effectively forced downward onto the solid mass of the slipway.
There is probably a scientific explanation involving physics - not my forte I'm afraid.
Cheers
MB

[buglerbilly]

BAE landing-based test site complete for landing helicopter dock programme

July 14, 2011

The Land-Based Test Site (LBTS) at BAE Systems in Williamstown for the Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) project is now complete.

BAE Systems, Saab and L-3 Communications (L-3) completed the installation in July 2011 as a key milestone in the development of the integrated combat and communications systems.

Director BAE Systems Maritime Business Unit Harry Bradford said testing in the LBTS will commence immediately with the final testing concluding next year.

“The major activity of the test site is risk mitigation of equipment integration prior to installation on the ship. The equipment will undergo significant testing to ensure all systems, including those supplied by several sensor manufacturers, are properly integrated and working effectively.

“The Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) installed in the Land-Based Test Site are to be installed on the second LHD, with the first ship receiving new equipment.

“While not fully operational, we are seeing real benefits from the test site as the team has discovered some issues that will require system modification, and these are much less costly when uncovered early in the program,” he said.

L-3 has supplied a large and complex communications suite, while Saab has installed the Combat Direction System which will provide the core command and control system for the ship. The CDS is based on a derivative of Saab's latest 9LV Mk 3E Combat Management System implemented on the ANZAC-class frigates, with added capability for helicopter and watercraft control for the LHD's amphibious warfare roles.

Design work began on the test site in 2008 with outfitting and installation of equipment having commenced in the latter half of last year. The first ship is expected to arrive in August 2012.

[buglerbilly]

Kevin Hughes develops landing solution for Australian Navy helicopter docks

August 11, 2011

Kelvin Hughes has developed an innovative helicopter landing solution on behalf of the Royal Australian Navy.

The dedicated short range helicopter control radar (SRHCR) has recently passed factory acceptance testing and will now be integrated into the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Docks being built by BAE Systems Australia and Navantia.

It’s expected that the ships will enter service during 2014 and 2015 and will be the largest warships ever operated by the Royal Australian Navy.

IMO regulations which prevent the use of navigation radars for helicopter control led to the requirement for a customised SRHCR.

Kelvin Hughes’ experience in naval navigation radar combined with its SharpEyeTM solid state sensor technology provided the perfect solution for developing a cost-effective dedicated sensor for the landing of helicopters.

The marine navigation and surveillance specialist delivered the first system from project concept in less than 18 months, and the radar system has now passed the trials testing phase following the technical design review in December 2010.

The Kelvin Hughes Surveillance solution provides up-mast S-Band SharpEyeTM solid state radar transceiver, 3.9m low profile antenna, state-of-the-art tracking software produced in conjunction with QintetiQ, providing helicopter track data to the command system with no operator intervention.

The ATC room houses a Kelvin Hughes MantaDigitalTM processor and display console with a slave display connected via fibre optic cables in the operations room. The system can also be used as a stand-alone manned station, providing a back-up solution based-on mission requirements.

Gary Potts, LHD Combat & Communications Manager, for BAE Systems Australia said: “I have been most impressed with Kelvin Hughes’ dedication and responsiveness.”

Barry Wade, Managing Director Kelvin Hughes Surveillance business said: “We are delighted that BAE Systems selected SharpEye for this application, within its class the performance and flexibility of SharpEye is second to none as illustrated on this prestigious programme.”

Source: Kelvin Hughes

[buglerbilly]

BAE Systems contracted for LHD training

September 20, 2011



BAE Systems has been engaged by the Commonwealth for the development and delivery of training for the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships.

The training will rely heavily on simulation and virtual scenarios using the latest technology, including avatars.

BAE Systems Director of Maritime, Harry Bradford, said the use of advanced, computer-based technology for training had a number of advantages for the customer in terms of both cost and flexibility.

"The most obvious benefit in using computer simulation is that the technology allows us to recreate, and for the crew to interact with the LHD environment, without the actual completed ship. This means greater flexibility and lower cost for our customer.

"For instance the system is capable of familiarising various elements of the defence forces, including both army and navy, with the ship in terms of systems, capability, size and layout and these defence personnel can be in separate geographical locations across the country.

"With training commencing prior to delivery of the first ship, the flexibility of being able to train and familiarise defence forces at their home bases represents substantial cost savings for the Commonwealth."

Mr Bradford said in addition to familiarising personnel with the LHD the training being developed by BAE Systems also included simulating emergency procedures and failure modes, all in a safe environment.

"This is also a major benefit for the crews of these ships in that we can recreate and test emergency procedures in a safe environment before procedures are implemented on the ship."

There are also flow-on benefits from the creation of these training packages for other navy vessels.

Mr Bradford said once created, these simulator programs can be easily migrated to AWDs, ANZACs and FFGs which could benefit the navy for all future training programs.

Work is underway on the development of some of the simulated training through KBR, which developed the avatar technology used in the Virtual Ship Training and Information System (ViSTIS), to be used for the LHD. BAE Systems has also recently awarded a contract to Kongsberg Maritime to provide a custom engine room simulator for the engineers who will serve aboard the LHDs.

A team of approximately 30 people at BAE Systems will manage the training process for the LHD Project. BAE Systems is the prime contractor. The first hull is expected to arrive in Williamstown in August 2012. Delivery of the first training packages is expected in 2013 ahead of the completion of the first ship.

Source: BAE Systems

[buglerbilly]

LHD Watercraft and Enhanced Joint Operations Centre Command and Control Capability Projects Approved

(Source: Australian Department Of Defence; issued September 27, 2011)


Three LCM-1E landing craft of the Spanish Navy.

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that the Government had given Second Pass Approval for two important capability projects: the purchase of 12 new watercraft for the two Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships and the enhancement of information and technology infrastructure at Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC).

Purchase of watercraft for LHD (Joint Project 2048 Phase 3)

The Government has agreed to the purchase from Navantia of 12 medium-sized fast landing craft (the LCM-1E) for the LHD through Joint Project 2048 Phase 3.

This follows a decision in February 2009 to direct source the purchase of the watercraft to Navantia.

Navantia are building the hulls for the two LHDs and the watercraft will be purpose-built for these ships.

The watercraft will enable transport of troops and equipment from the LHDs to the shore including where there are no fixed port facilities.

The delivery of the first batch of four watercraft will be co-ordinated with the delivery of the first LHD, expected in 2014.

Construction of the LHDs is underway in Spain and Australia.

The LHDs are bigger than Australia’s last aircraft carrier.

Each is 230 metres long and can carry a combined armed battlegroup of more than 1000 personnel, 100 armoured vehicles and 12 helicopters. Each also includes a 40-bed hospital.

Maintenance and support for the watercraft will be provided by Australian industry.

The total cost of Joint Project 2048 Phase 3 is cost capped between $300 million to $500 million in the Public Defence Capability Plan.

The final cost is subject to the satisfactory negotiation of a contract with acceptable terms and conditions.

Australian Defence Force Command and Control (Joint Project 2030 Phase 8)

The Government has also approved enhancements to information and communications technology infrastructure at Headquarters Joint Operations Command (Bungendore) as well as software upgrades to better support military planning.

The enhanced command and control system will also allow better communication between operations staff and troops, particularly commanders and Special Forces.

Defence will purchase commercial off-the-shelf hardware and software products which will then be integrated to meet requirements.

It is expected that the capital expenditure for these enhancements will generate around 75 jobs and support around 25 on-going jobs inAustralia.

Additional hardware and software upgrades to support better military planning will be considered by Government in future elements of Joint Project 2030 Phase 8.

The total cost of Joint Project 2030 Phase 8 is cost capped between $100 million to $300 million in the Public Defence Capability Plan.

-ends-

[geof]

Just looking at this photo, at first glance these look small .. but after closer inspection they look a fair size

[buglerbilly]

There are older shots showing M60 tanks and armoured vehicles on-board so not that small............

[ADMk2]

On the DoD website, trials with what looks like a Leo 2...

http://tinyurl.com/6j62x9t


PS, I HATE that newish image gallery crap they have going on...

[buglerbilly]

I got this message when I clicked on the link.....................


Incorrect parameters
An error occured while processing the preview request.
Return to grid

I hate the new site too.................I had a look at the images there........

How much did they spend on this new website............whatever it was it was too much!

[ADMk2]

Only $300m...

I COULD post the whole link, but it looks like this:

http://111.125.172.46/fotoweb/Preview.fwx?&position=28&archiveType=ImageFolder&archiveId=5002&albumId=5002&sorting=ModifiedTimeAsc&search=&fileId=8590496097A739A27841C7E8A1C14EE88E6EC020FDC EF86377CC8A13DB84B7E8FDFA39A7FA961C9342E8044A3C5F3 98FB6A7B4ED59892B751596D9DC4BB7BFFB185A7225B0B6522 D7449F6AE15073BD30A628F79CC8D843591AE0BBD47DA53AF2 57A342AABF360E70960F85951E245D9498E9A67B0E03F5683D 24D6E929E3896856E1216666DD51056FDAC81B893676188195 C0E2B6D494D6C56219E4BDB2D19D2145092310D21B6285EC2B CC56BB2819C8BF605F362E8B1EAB9E4F59CE14FF0A0612C767 E6BCB251A19CF47918C3CFE081E91E6A85342913E36414C993 D3C98

I've attached what I saw when I clicked that link...


Edit: Er, the link is about 2000 characters long when I posted it...

[Unicorn]

On the DoD website, trials with what looks like a Leo 2...

http://tinyurl.com/6j62x9t


PS, I HATE that newish image gallery crap they have going on...

You are not the only one. Their previous gallery was light years better than the current one. Why they didn't follow the US Navy's site style and layout, which works very well, is beyond me.

.

[Milne Bay]

There are older shots showing M60 tanks and armoured vehicles on-board so not that small............

Inside the well dock

[buglerbilly]

Navantia Welcomes Federal Government Decision On Landing Craft

(Source: Navantia; issued Oct. 3, 2011)

Navantia, the Spanish shipbuilder undertaking the construction of Australia’s new Air-Warfare Destroyers (AWD) and two amphibious ships (LHD), will now build 12 new landing craft to compliment the new Canberra-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious ships, following a decision by the Federal Government to award the construction contract to Navantia.

The decision, announced by the Minister for Defence Hon Stephen Smith and the Minister for Defence Materiel, Hon Jason Clare, comes just a fortnight after Navantia informed the Federal Government of the establishment of a wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, Navantia Australia, which will have a permanent presence in Australia.

“Navantia welcomes the decision on the LCM-1E landing craft and applauds the rigorous manner in which craft were assessed by the DMO,” the company said.

“It further cements the close trading ties between Australia and Spain and the highly productive relationship that exists between Navantia, the Australian Defence Forces and a range of other suppliers to the Defence Materiel Organisation.

Each LCM-1E landing craft weighs 110 tonnes. They are already in service with the Spanish navy. The first four will arrive with the first of the new LHDs in 2014.

The Federal Government announcement also comes on the eve an official visit to Australia by a senior delegation from Navantia, including CEO Senor Luis Cacho Quesada, who will discuss further opportunity to strengthen these ties.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

KBR to Develop and Deliver Virtual Training Program for Royal Australian Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock Ship

(Source: KBR; issued November 22, 2011)

WALKTHROUGH is a real clever 3D system, I was on a Project where an early version of it was used to train Offshore Operators and Maintenance people to virtually service and support a normally not-manned platform linked remotely to a Manned Platform. Saved a fortune in both time and money by allowing people to do all familiarisation and basic training Onshore without having to fly a couple of dozen people Offshore............a later version was used similarily here in Australia for the same tasking and reason............translates real easily to 3D based warships and other vessels including the LPD which should also have a 3D file somewhere the BAE used to build the last two in the Clyde..............you get a 3D model showing walkways, access hatches, utility systems, etc etc............the fact you can model in Other "People" is a huge benefit too

HOUSTON --- KBR today announced it has been contracted by BAE Systems to develop and deliver a virtual training program to train crew for the Royal Australian Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ship, which is under construction.

The real-time, 3-D virtual training courseware will enable Royal Australian Navy personnel to get a head-start on training to operate and maintain this new capability. This project builds on the LHD 3D Ship Walkthrough Computer Model (SWCM) KBR developed using engineering data provided by BAE Systems. The SWCM is an exact-to-scale 3-D replica of the ship – inside and out – including every compartment on all 13 decks.

Using the Virtual Ship Training Information System (ViSTIS) capability developed through an alliance with KBR, Blohm+Voss Naval (BVN) and Crytek, this highly detailed virtual ship and immersive real-time 3-D virtual training courseware will be used to train the LHD’s permanent crew prior to, and after, completion of the ship’s construction. The courseware includes training for ship familiarization, high-voltage awareness, damage control familiarization and marine engineering systems familiarization. It will also include a marine engineering part task trainer for the training on the forward aircraft elevator system.

KBR will also develop more than 50 different virtual models of crew members, which will be used for individual and team training scenarios. Trainees will be able to network in a classroom environment, while working together inside the LHD to complete simulated exercises and emergency response scenarios they will be required to undertake once deployed on the real ship.

Key benefits of this computer-based training include a reduction in training and operating costs, increased trainee safety and on-board productivity, and enhanced training system availability, flexibility and portability.

“It is an honor to support BAE Systems and the Defence Materiel Organisation in the development of this training system for the Australian Defence Force,” said Andrew Pringle, President, International Government and Defence & Support Services. “Through this program KBR will lead the effort in providing extremely cost-effective training to defense forces globally and allow them to get a head-start on training to operate the ship. KBR’s role in this project will further position the company to expand its business into the resources sector.”

KBR is a global engineering, construction and services company supporting the energy, hydrocarbon, government services, minerals, civil infrastructure, power, industrial, and commercial markets.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Landing Helicopter Dock Ship update

13 December 2011


The launch of the hull of the first of the Royal Australian Navy’s two new amphibious ships, HMAS Canberra.

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today provided an update on the $3 billion Landing Helicopter Ship (LHD) project.

The two Canberra Class LHDs are the largest ships ever to be built for the Royal Australian Navy.

The hulls are being constructed by Navantia in Spain with the superstructures and integration work being done by BAE Systems at their Williamstown Shipyard in Melbourne.

Work on the first ship, HMAS Canberra (III), is progressing on schedule.

All 105 blocks that make up the hull of the first ship have been constructed and the hull is now complete.

It is currently undergoing final fit out with the installation of hospital, storeroom and accommodation facilities.

The hull is expected to depart from Spain in July 2012 to be transported via heavy lift ship to Melbourne, where it is expected to arrive in August 2012.

In June this year, work began on the four superstructure and three mast blocks at the Williamstown Shipyard.

The superstructure and hull are expected to be consolidated in Melbourne in late 2012.

Work on the second ship, HMAS Adelaide (III), is progressing ahead of schedule.

The keel was laid in February and so far 60 of the 105 blocks have been erected on the slipway.

Of the remaining blocks, 27 are currently in construction and final fit-out and 18 are in final paint and fit-out prior to moving to the slipway.

The hull is expected to be launched in Spain in the third quarter of 2012.

More than 400,000 hours of labour have been worked on the LHD so far this year in Australia.

The Canberra Class LHDs are bigger than Australia’s last aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne (II).

When completed they will be more than 230 metres long, 27.5 metres high and weigh around 27,500 tonnes.

Each ship can carry a combined armed battlegroup of more than 1,100 personnel, 100 armoured vehicles and 12 helicopters and features a 40-bed hospital.

[geof]

.. Some eye candy ..