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High Speed Vessel Breaks Record For Speed

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030912-02

Release Date: 9/12/2003 7:02:00 PM

From Mine Warfare Command Public Affairs

HOBART, Tasmania (NNS) -- High Speed Vessel (HSV) 2 Swift completed the fastest-ever transit of the northern Great Barrier Reef from Cairns to Booby Island Aug. 31.

Swift traveled 488 nautical miles in 12.5 hours at an average speed of 39.04 knots. The speed takes into account the period required to slow down to embark and disembark the pilot. Once underway, the transit was made at an actual speed of over 40 knots.

Swift currently serves operationally as the interim Mine Warfare Command and Support Ship. It also supports transformational mine warfare modular mission payload initiatives. In addition, it will be used to explore concepts, capabilities and military utility associated with the advanced hull and propulsion technology integrated with advanced communications in support of the Littoral Combat Ship program.

For the Marine Corps, the HSV will conduct a series of limited-objective experiments, exercises, demonstrations and training events that develop interoperability potential of high-speed vessels with causeways, watercraft, amphibious ships and other shipping. Experimentation data will be used to access the military utility of HSVs, and future joint and naval military operations or applications.

The HSV is capable of maintaining an average speed of 35 knots or greater, loaded with 500 short tons, consisting of 350 personnel and military equipment. A minimum operating range of 1,100 nautical miles at 35 knots is required by the contract, as is a minimum transit range of 4,000 nautical miles at an average speed of 20 knots. Furthermore, she must be capable of 24-hour operations at slow speeds (3-10 knots) for experimentation with unmanned autonomous vehicles, and to support dedicated and emerging organic mine warfare missions.

A stern ramp capable of on/off loading directly astern or to the starboard quarter is fitted. The ramp is capable of loading/unloading a multitude of military vehicles up to and including M1A1 main battle tanks of up to 141,000 pounds. SWIFT is also fitted with a load-compensating crane capable of launch and recovery of small boats and unmanned vehicles up to 26,000 pounds while underway. The crane is capable of lifting up to 22,000 pounds to and from the flight deck.

Perhaps one of the most impressive features of the ship is the Naval Air Systems Command-certified helicopter flight deck for operation of MH-60S Knighthawk, CH-46 Sea Knight, UH-1 Huey and AH-1 Cobra helicopters. An area protected from the weather for storage and maintenance of two MH-60S helicopters has also been provided, to enhance aviation operations in day, night and instrument meteorological conditions.

The vessel will operate with crews stationed at Naval Station Ingleside, Texas, and Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va. Currently, the ship is manned by the Ingleside crew. A crew change is scheduled for October.

Swift is the fourth Incat wave piercing catamaran to enter U.S. military service.