NZ navy receives three Littoral Manoeuvre Craft
The Royal New Zealand Navy has received three Littoral Manoeuvre Craft built in Australia. (Photo: RNZN)
New Zealand's navy has received three high-speed craft purchased specifically to support mine warfare and reconnaissance teams.
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) announced on 25 October that it had introduced into service the three Littoral Manoeuvre Craft (LMC) ordered from Australia on 9 September 2021.
The boats, based on the 12.5m-long Sentinel design, were manufactured by PFG Group in Hobart, Tasmania.
Twin Cummins 550hp diesel engines plus Hamilton Jet water propulsion units power the LMCs to a top speed exceeding 40kt and to a range of more than 150nm when fully loaded.
The trio of boats will primarily be used to tactically transport expeditionary reconnaissance and mine countermeasures teams. They will be operated by HMNZS Matataua,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation]()
Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
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]()
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.
