HII launches Fort Lauderdale amphibious transport dock
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) launched the USN’s new San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) on 28 March in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
A rail car system was used to move the ship to HII’s dry dock which was then flooded after it was moved away from the pier leaving it to float in the dock.
The vessel is 684ft long and 105ft wide and is designed to land and embark Marines, equipment and military supplies using an air cushion or conventional landing craft or amphibious assault vehicles. It is powered by a MAN Diesel & Turbo PC2.5 STC marine engine.
HII also suggests that LPD 28 may be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions alongside maritime security carried out by a Marine Air Ground Task Force.
The company is constructing a total of 26 San Antonio class ships including 13 Flight I and 13 Flight II models.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
-
Turkey’s Goksur naval missile completes first live-fire intercept
The Goksur will be available in a range of configurations and could be integrated into Turkey’s nascent Steel Dome which is designed to provide multi-layered protection against a range of aerial targets from mortars to aircraft.
-
US Coast Guard advances plans to acquire small response boats
The maritime security service is looking to purchase up to four demonstrators as it seeks to ensure the force’s goals are achievable before continuing its acquisition programme.