JHSV

The Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) is a United States Department of Defense (DoD) program aimed at fielding a new kind of transport ship for rapid deployment of military forces anywhere in the world. The program was approved by the joint services, including the four services, in early November 2005 with the lead ship planned to be commissioned in fiscal year 2008. This program is based on trimaran hull technology which allows surface ships to achieve high speeds and operate in shallow waters while carrying medium sized cargo payloads. The JHSV concept was demonstrated during HSVX-1, also known as Joint Venture, and HSV-2, also known as Swift, prototypes which were tested in support of operation Iraqi Freedom and the global war on terror. Rapid intra-theater of a wide range of military payloads would be its main goal. Such a payloads may include vehicles, supplies or ground troops. US Army and Marine Corps company-sized units could be transported by a single JHSV. Alternatively, the vessel can be reconfigured to transport an infantry battalion's ground troops component. Besides, a flight deck will offer an additional capability for rotary-wing aircraft and special operations forces operations. The ship's construction will be similar to high speed commercial ferries adding a flight deck, hangar (not firm yet) and a variable height cargo ramp for quick offloading of vehicles and payloads. It will be capable of cruising at 35-45 nautical miles per hour allowing for rapid deployment and maneuver of conventional or special operations forces. The propulsion system consists of MTU 8000 diesel engines with superior fuel efficiency. Its shallow draft comes in handy at small and/or austere ports. With such a capabilities JHSV is expected to take care of support of relief operations in small or damaged ports, logistics support vessel for the Joint Commander, rapid transport of a Marine Light Armored Reconnaissance Company or an Army Stryker unit. In May 2011, the US Army signed a memorandum of agreement transferring its five JHSV vessels to the US Navy. Starting with the EPF 14, the ship will be rendered in Flight II configuration with enhanced medical and aviation facilities.

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