The construction of the first of two new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships of the Australian Navy is in full swing at the BAE Systems Williamstown Shipyard at Port Phillip Bay.
The vessel, officially named Canberra in a traditional Navy ceremony at Williamstown, Victoria on February 15, 2013, is undergoing various stages of preparation and outfitting so as to be ready for the sea trials scheduled sometime before the end of the year.
The Canberra class Landing Helicopter Dock are new amphibious assault ships being developed for the Royal Australian Navy.
The following video provides a tour around the Nuship Canberra at its current state of completion.
LHDs will deliver the most sophisticated air-land-sea amphibious capability in the world and will greatly strengthen the Australian Navy’s delivery of sea power.
The new platforms will be able to land a force of more than 2000 personnel by helicopter and water craft, along with all their weapons, ammunition, vehicles and stores – this capability is a quantum leap for Navy and the wider Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Nu Ship Canberra is due to be accepted into Navy service in the first quarter of 2014. The second LHD is due to be named in February 2014 and is expected to be accepted into Navy service in 2016.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, May 1, 2013; Image: Royal Australian Navy