U.S. Navy using WingLifts for their high speed vessels after successful testing

The first delivery of a large order of 17H WingLifts is on its way to the United States Navy and will be followed by another two deliveries in the coming months. The order is intended for the US Military Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) program. The JHSV is capable of transporting troops and their equipment, as well as supporting humanitarian relief efforts. Fully loaded, the JHSV reaches speeds in excess of 35 knots and has the added advantage of operating in shallow waters. The vessels will be a joint-use platform shared between the United States Army and U.S. Navy.

JHSV can be operated in shallow-draft ports and waterways, interfacing with roll-on / roll-off discharge facilities and on / off-loading. The stern loading ramp can support an M1A2 Abrams main battle tank.

The ships can transport 635 tons of payload for more than 1,200 nm at an average speed of 35k. JHSV will be crewed by the civilian mariners provided by the Military Sealift Command. The vessel will complement a crew of approximately 42 people.

Spearhead is the first of 11 expeditionary fast transport vessels planned for the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. The ship makes deployment supporting theater security cooperation efforts and the international collaborative capacity-building program. Spearhead is scheduled to work with and visit more than six nations during her deployment. The vessel has a flight deck for helicopters and a loading ramp that will allow vehicles to quickly drive on and off the ship. The ramp is suitable for the types of austere piers and quay walls common in developing countries. EPF has a shallow draft (under 15 feet (4.6 m))

U.S. military personnel will work closely with their host nation counterparts and health professionals to respond to the day-to-day needs of the citizens and provide medical, dental and veterinary support at a medical site in each nation. From January to April 2017, an estimated 15,000 people will be provided a variety of medical services including preventative medical treatments, dental screenings and treatment, optometry screenings, eyewear distribution and women’s health services.

As part of the JHSV program, WingLifts will be used to pick up ISO containers on the supply dock, load them up onto the vessel ramp and set them in place for transit, as well as unloading at their final destination. This is a follow-up order after a successful test of initial deliveries.

Customer
United States Navy

Model
W40-17H-500

The United States Navy (USN) is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest, most capable navy in the world, with the highest combined battle fleet tonnage. The U.S. Navy has the world’s largest aircraft carrier fleet, with eleven in service, two in the reserve fleet, and two new carriers under construction.