The US Navy’s dock landing ships (also known as “landing platforms, docks” (LPDs)) usually do not get the same level of attention as aircraft carriers and destroyers.But these ships Continue to be an important flagship product It provides the US Navy and Marine Corps with a state-of-the-art maritime platform that can carry troops, aircraft, landing craft, and landing craft by ferry. To the distant coast..
Shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced the Ingalls Shipbuilding Division on June 11th last week. 13th and last baptism San Antonio-Class amphibious transport dockUSS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD-29).The ship was named after the honor U.S. Navy Captain Richard M. McCool Jr... He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions to rescue survivors from a sunken destroyer and for saving his own landing craft during the Kamikaze attack of World War II. In addition, his rescue operations took place exactly 77 years before the day LPD-29 was baptized.
“Richard M. McCool, Jr. truly embodies the spirit of service rather than self.” Navy Undersecretary Eric Raven said, Keynote speaker at the ceremony. “The seafarers and marines sailing on this future ship carry on their legacy according to the spiritual, patriotism and selflessness set by Richard M. McCool Jr.”
Drone mothership or drone carrier?
In addition to transporting troops and supplies around the world San Antonio-Class LPD It could soon be used as a drone mothership. HII announced on Monday that it had successfully demonstrated the features that enable the launch, operation and recovery of amphibious warships. HII large caliber unmanned underwater drone (LDUUV).
The launch and recovery demonstration was carried out by HII’s Advanced Technology Group using a prototype called Faros and HII’s Proteus LD UUV. It is part of a R & D initiative between HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding and Mission Technology, with three key partners supporting the development. The University of New Orleans collaborated with the US Navy to conduct initial model tests, and the prototype device was manufactured by Metal Shark, Louisiana.
“HII is committed to advancing the future of distributed maritime operations and demonstrating its ability to support amphibious unmanned aircraft.” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Cali Wilkinson said, Hosted a demonstration and partnered. “I am very proud of our team’s initiative to increase the flexibility of the vessels we build by anticipating the challenges and opportunities that exist for our customers.”
Proteus is a large class UUV that can be configured to test sensors, autonomy, payloads, energy storage systems, and other technologies. Equipped with future-proof sonar, camera, variable buoyancy system and 148kWh baseline energy. 170 cubic feet customizable cargo volume with extended range options and external cargo capacity.
First test completed
The recently signed demonstration took place along the Pascagoula River in Mississippi, taking the LDUUV approach and being captured by the Faros Cradle. Meanwhile, Faros was towed behind a small vessel that simulated an amphibious vessel at low speed. Faros was placed in the tow position and then ballasted down in the trailing position so that the LDUUV could navigate to the recovery vehicle using the remote control, HII announced.
When the drone was captured, Faros was debalasted and returned to recovery and transportation positions. The demonstration also included a ballast down to launch LDUUV after capture.
The Faros prototype was equipped with rugged wheels, allowing amphibious vessels to be easily transported within the well deck and stowed in the vehicle deck. As a result, Faros was able to roll down from behind the amphibious ship and use the ship’s existing winch capabilities to extend and contract the platform from the well deck. The Pharos design is scalable and reconfigurable to fit a variety of unmanned underwater or unmanned surface vehicles.
A recent test conducted in the calm waters of the Pascagoula River, Was the first Much of what certainly comes. HII is currently considering modifying other UUVs that will participate in a live demonstration with the fleet during the next year. HII has announced that it will continue to use the results of the Faros demonstration to further mature the concept and develop innovative national security solutions.
Now the 1945 Chief Editor, Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He regularly writes about military hardware, history of the firearms, cybersecurity, and international affairs.Peter too Contributor For Forbes.