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ADI SIGNS WATERCRAFT CONTRACT

31 January 2002

ADI Limited and the Australian Defence Force have signed the $32 million production contract which provides for two amphibious watercraft. A separate $10 million contract will see ADI provide in-service support for the new vessels.

Production of the new watercraft will start in Newcastle next February, with vessels to be delivered by April 2005.

ADI's design will significantly reduce the time it takes to unload the Royal Australian Navy's amphibious transports (LPAs). ADI estimates the time it takes to travel from ship to beach to unload soldiers, military equipment and stores will improve by more than 30 percent.

The company's design is the only one of the contenders which allows the deployment of a complete tactical subunit as part of an amphibious operation - the subunit can therefore be operational as soon as it lands.

Designed by ADI's engineering specialists, the twin diesel/water jet propulsion craft will feature innovative concepts such as bow and stern ramps which provide a two-lane drive-through capability for more efficient vehicle deployment. An interface pontoon will allow safe and "dry " transfer of troops and vehicles directly on to the watercraft without the need to lift very heavyvehicles by crane.