Austal Multi-Role Vessel

Austal have proposed a long range, high speed, patrol ship called the Multi-Role Vessel (MRV). This is essentially the Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS), which was designed for the US Navy, but with the expensive weapons and electronics removed to make a lower cost, long range multi-purpose ship for military and policing purposes.

The MRV is a trimaran with one large hull in the middle and two outriggers. This gives a wide area accross the three hulls at the rear for cargo and a large helicopter flight deck on top. The wider hull projecting at the front provides good sea keeping and space for weapons and sensors. The slim outer hulls allow for high speed.

The Austal Multi-Role Vessel can provide offshore and littoral war fighting roles, border protection tasks, long range counter-terrorism and counter piracy operations, support to special forces and missions in support of security and stability in the immediate neighbourhood surroundings.

The Austal Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) utilises the unique and proven Austal Trimaran platform coupling high speed and superior seakeeping performance with unparalleled deck space.

From border patrol to ASW to humanitarian relief missions the Austal Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) is the truly reconfigurable seaframe.

See Also:

• Austal Trimaran Technology Brochure
• View the Multi Role Vessel Image Gallery
• Austal Defence News - July 2008
• Austal Defence News - March 2008
• Austal Defence News - May 2007

Features

Multi-mission helicopter capability
Large flexible mission / logistics deck
Open architecture systems network
Systems packaged mission modules

• EEZ border patrol
• Command & control
• Surveillance
• Humanitarian support
• Theatre hospital
• At sea replenishment
• Force transportation
• Special forces support
• Amphibious operations
• SAR
• ASW

From: Multi-Role Vessel, Austral, 2009