The HSV Swift Replacement?

Lee Wahler tips to a new solicitation by the Military Sealift Command for a new High Speed Vessel. This looks like it could be the replacement request for the HSV Swift. The solicitation reads as follows:

The Military Sealift Command requires a time charter of one (1) US flag, self-sustaining high speed vessel (HSV) with a minimum capacity to carry 305 passengers and 500 short tons. The HSV will provide a transformational capability supporting the Global War on Terrorism and emerging operational concepts including Seabasing and Global Fleet Station. It will also support theater presence strategies, providing intra-theater lift for tailored modular forces into areas where austere, unimproved or degraded port facilities preclude their use by larger, slower surface platforms. High Speed Intra-Theater Lift will provide surface links between advanced bases, sea bases and forces operating ashore and will play a supporting role in all phases of sea-based operations. The capability will provide forward presence allowing responsive support in a range of operations.

The charter period is for 12 months, with three 12 month options and one 11 month option. Some of the details include the a minimum 12,000 sq. ft. of enclosed vehicle deck stowage with at least 10,000 sq. ft. with 15 feet vertical clearance. The vessel shall have a full load draft of not greater than 15.0 feet and a maximum length overall of 375.0 feet. The ship shall be PANAMAX capable. The vessel, loaded with 500 short tons, shall have a minimum operating range of 1100 nautical miles at 35 knots in Sea State 3 with 10 % fuel reserve. The vessel shall have a minimum transit range of 4000 nautical miles with no cargo and 100 combined ship’s crew and mission personnel at an average transit speed of 20 knots with a 10 % fuel reserve in Sea State 3.

Lee also adds some interesting commentary.

This is a larger load than the HSV WestPac Express and the deck area approaches that of my old Newport Class LST. Also the load profiles, aka cargo characteristics, are for a full range of tactical vehicles up to M1A1 MBTs. While requiring a stern and/or side ramp would be expected in a tactical sealift ship, this ship is also required to have a stern AAV/EFV launch system which is quite unusual and I predict very hard to do on a catamaran hull? Another interesting item in the details is a requirement for the ship to work alongside with Navy Lighterage both new and old types? The charter requires a NAVAIR small sized flight deck - a pretty standard feature on MPS ships and other MSC charters. In addition, there is a requirement for three C4ISR spaces - interesting? The messing and berthing requirements are significantly larger than that of MPS/MPF-E up to 235-305 max!

MV WestPac Express is noted to have 32,000 square feet of cargo capacity designed for roll on/roll off, but does not include the stern AAV/EFV launch ramp capability. As far as I am aware, that has never been done on a High Speed Vessel, and would be an interesting addition to the arsenal. It raises the question if such a requirement is part of the Joint High Speed vessel of which the first is planned for funding in FY09..., this year.

Also included is support for 2 H-60s, including maintenance facilities and fuel. This will be one contract worth watching, particularly regarding the cost.