Austal rolls out JHSV

MOBILE, Ala. - Austal USA rolled its first Joint High-Speed Vessel out of the shed and onto a dry dock floating in the Mobile River. The high-speed transport was floated down to BAE Systems, where it is scheduled to be put into the water Sunday. The ship, slated to be delivered to the Navy early next year, is the first in a $1.6 billion, 10-ship contract awarded to Austal in 2008. The JHSV can carry soldiers and cargo at an average speed of 40 mph. Vehicles will be able to roll off even in shallow-water ports. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/09/11)