Indo-Pacific 2022: Austal shows versatile new OPV 60
Austral unveiled its OPV 60 platform at Indo-Pacific 2022, a ship that will be available in three variants. (Gordon Arthur)
Austal has shown off a new OPV design that straddles a gap in its range, plus it is pursuing unmanned versions of its vessels.
Austal used the occasion of Indo-Pacific 2022 in Sydney to debut its OPV 60 design. To extend the 60m-long platform’s appeal, Austal is offering it in three mission configurations.
The basic steel-hulled design has many things in common, such as a stern ramp for launching RHIBs (instead of davits used on the Evolved Cape class, for example). There is also a stern launchpad for VTOL UAVs, a small crane at the stern and a combat information centre inside.
The baseline vessel has a 10.6m beam and 3m draught. Its top speed is 23.5kt, and the OPV 60 can achieve a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
-
![Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities]()
Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities
The Australian navy is pushing ahead with its efforts to modernise its workforce and capabilities while balancing risky submarine upgrades, ageing Collins-class boats and a shrinking minehunter fleet. Head of navy capability RAdm Stephen Hughes updated Shephard on the force’s progress.
