Latest fast transport vessel for USN completes acceptance trials
The Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel USNS Newport (EPF 12) has successfully completed acceptance trials for the USN in the Gulf of Mexico, shipbuilder Austal USA announced on 4 August.
Acceptance trials involve the execution of a number of tests by the Austal USA-led industry team while the vessel is underway, demonstrating to the USN the successful operation of major onboard systems and equipment.
The trials are the last significant milestone before the scheduled delivery of USNS Newport later this month.
In all, 11 Spearhead-class vessels have been delivered to the USN in less than eight years.
Austal USA is also building the 13th Spearhead-class EPF (the future USNS Apalachicola). Construction of the 14th vessel (the future USNS Cody) is scheduled to begin this month.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, funding for a 15th EPF vessel was also proposed for FY2020, with the aim to start construction in January 2021.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) [USN]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities]()
How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities
The US Navy Hedge Strategy is intended to provide a lethal, modular and cost-effective fleet while accepting Washington’s fiscal and industrial constraints.
-
![US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo]()
US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo
Designed as an anti-torpedo and anti-submarine capability, the USN and RTX foresee the Compact Rapid Attack Weapon’s potential for deployment from surface ships and aerial and uncrewed platforms.
-
![RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand]()
RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand
The US multinational company is currently assembling 300 Rolling Airframe Missile rounds per year, with plans to reach 800 units annually after significant investment and modernisation of its facilities.
-
![Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA]()
Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA
RTX’s solution for DARPA’s Pulling Guard programme is intended to provide advanced maritime defence technologies to protect platforms against uncrewed surface vehicles and other threats.
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
