Navantia lays keel for first AustralianLHD

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Navantia has laid the keel for the LHD “Canberra” at the Ferrol shipyard in Spain. It is the first of a series of two vessels that Australia contracted Navantia to build in 2007.

The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of the Australian Navy, Admiral Russ Crane and Mr. Aurelio Martínez, CEO of Navantia. Also in attendance was the Deputy Premier of South Australia, the Hon. Kevin Foley, the Australian Ambassador to Spain and members of the Spanish Navy.

This milestone was achieved by the construction of 4 of the blocks of a total of 104 blocks that will make up the keel. Construction of the vessel commenced 12 months ago and is expected to be launched in 18 months time. It will be commissioned to BAE Systems (formerly Tenix). Construction of the second vessel will commence in 2010.

The design of these ships is based in the LHD "Juan Carlos 1" currently under construction for the Spanish Navy. "The Juan Carlos 1" is expected to undergo sea trials in November this year.

The total contract price of 1.4 billion euros includes the design and construction of the ships, as well as some equipment such as the engines and the platform control system.

The contract reaffirms Navantia`s place as the reference naval designer and shipbuilder in the world.

Main specifiations

* Length overall: 230.82 m

* Breadth maximum: 32 m

* Height flight deck : 27.50 m

* Full load displacement: 27,831 t

* Full load speed: 20.5 kn

* Range (@15 knots): 8,000 miles

* Crew: 243 + 36 additional

* Embarked forces: 978 + 146 additional

* Hangar: 990 m2

* Flight deck: 4,750 m2

* Light cargo garage: 1.880 m2

* Heavy cargo garage: 1.410 m2

Footage available in the website:

http://www.navantia.es/irj/go/km/docs/documents/Portal%20Navantia/ALHD/puestaquillaALHD_WEB.WMV

http://www.navantia.es/irj/go/km/docs/documents/Portal%20Navantia/ALHD/puestaquillaALHD.wmv