Wednesday, May 25, 2016

3 ex-Aussie LCHs to boost PN HADR capabilities

From the Philippine News Agency (May 25): 3 ex-Aussie LCHs to boost PN HADR capabilities

The Philippine Navy (PN)'s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities will be greatly boosted with the commissioning of the three ex-Australian landing craft heavies (LCHS) this coming June 1.

"With their capability of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment, these vessels will bolster the PN's HADR. They will also be useful in transporting troops from one operational area to another especially during amphibious operations," PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna earlier said.

The three LCHs are former ships of the Royal Australian Navy and identified as the HMAS Balikpapan (L-126), HMAS Wewak (L-130) and HMAS Betano (L-133).

These vessels arrived in Liloan, Cebu last March 26.

The three are sisters to BRP Ivatan (formerly HMAS Tarakan) and BRP Batak (ex-HMAS Brunei) which were commissioned into PN service last Aug. 10.

The first two LCHs were donated by the Australian government to the Philippines in November 2014.

While the three were sold for the "friendship price "of Php270 million.

"The acquisition of additional capabilities of our Navy further translates into offering better service to our maritime nation as we continue to protect our country, step up commitment for HADR and our continuing pledge to provide assistance to our Filipino people in all corners of the archipelago. These new assets are manifestations of our Navy’s optimum readiness to perform its tasks and the ability to adapt vis-a-vis the emergent operating environment," he added.

LCHs are an extremely versatile vessel, capable of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment from larger ships to shore.

A very shallow draft (two meters) allows these ships to deliver personnel and equipment to areas otherwise unreachable especially during HADR missions.

It is an all-welded twin-screw vessel, able to trans-ship cargo and supplies from ships lying offshore to water terminals or across the beach.

Maximum cargo load is governed by the load-fuel balance and varies between 140 and 180 tons.

A typical load of 175 ton gives the LCHs a range of 1,300 nautical miles, increasing to 2,280 nautical miles for a load of 150 tons.

Up to five shipping containers with HADR supplies and equipment can also be embarked.

LCHs have a draft of two meters, length of 44.5 meters, beam of 10.1 meters and displacement of 364 tons.

It has a speed to 10 to 13 knots and a range of 3,000 nautical miles and a crew of 15.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=888633

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