An artist’s impression of the craft.

By Lt-Col Des McNicholas

ADI Newcastle will soon start work on the design and construction of six amphibious watercraft, having recently signed a $32.73 million contract with Defence.

Planned for use on HMAS Manoora and HMAS Kanimbla, the new aluminium craft will be powered by two diesel engines and water-jet propulsion.

Land Development staff officer Maj Ron Armstrong said the watercraft represented a significant upgrade to the ADF’s amphibious capability by speeding up the unloading of cargo from RAN ships.

“Our initial requirement was a 30 per cent improvement in unloading times, and it looks as though the project will exceed our expectations,” he said.

“The ADI craft will also be bigger than the LCM-8 currently used on Manoora and Kanimbla, with an increased capacity to carry armoured vehicles, stores and troops.”

“The fact that they will be suitable for roll-on roll-off operations means that they could be launched from the bow to save even more time,” he said.

The first vessel will undertake extensive trials late next year, and the final craft should be delivered in 2005. They will be permanently based at 10FSB in Townsville, and maintained under a second $10.66 million contract with ADI Limited.

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