Joint Venture (HSV-X1), has been a very successful experiment in using a high-speed commercial ferry design for logistic support. She has also provided information on the performance of wave-piercing hull forms, which may prove useful in the design of the new Littoral Combat Ship. “HSV” stands for “High-Speed Vessel.” As a troop carrier, she can move a battalion of infantry at 50 knots. She was used successfully in Operation Iraqi Freedom near the southern port of Umm Qasr, acting as an afloat staging base for Marine and SEAL special warfare teams. In addition to her relatively large cargo capacity and high speed, she has a shallow draft, only 12 feet, which allows her to operate close inshore. Based on the success of Joint Venture, the US quickly ordered a second, larger vessel from the same builder, Incat of Australia, who delivered it to the US Army in November of 2002. Spearhead is designated TSV-1X, or Theatre Support Vessel. She is designed to move troops and supplies within a theatre of operations, either from ship to shore or from one location to another. In many theatres, the road net may be poor or damaged by combat, and Spearhead can take the place of many cargo aircraft, which are more vulnerable and are also affected by weather. Spearhead also served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. A third catamaran, Swift, was delivered in August. Designated HSV-2, she will replace USS Inchon as a mine countermeasures support ships with a fraction of the crew required for the older ship, but greater capabilities. Joint Venture HSV Displacement: 1668 fl In class: 1 Acoustic Counterm: None In Service: 2001 Electronic Counterm: None ESM: None Propulsion: Diesel/Waterjet Crew: 30 Size Class: Small Signature: Small/Quiet Sensors: Generic Nav radar J/Intl Military Lift: One light infantry company or 600 t cargo. Vehicle deck can hold up to 16 trucks. Remarks: Australian-designed and -built wave-piercing catamaran. Ex- Top Cat, car/passenger ferry leased Oct 01 for two-year trials on suitability for military missions including logistic support, mine warfare, and special operations. Can carry 600 tons cargo or 400 tons with 570 troops and equipment over short distances (max 24 hours). The vehicle deck can carry light vehicles up to truck size. Helo pad for large-sized helicopters and hydraulic stern ramp added during refit at start of lease period. Also carries extensive communications equipment. Aluminum construction, special damage modifier of -15%. Merchant construction, special damage modifier of -50%. Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 51015 18 20 Surf Spd (Loaded): 38 29 19 10 0 Sinks Surf S. (Unloaded): 50 38 25 13 0 Sinks Spearhead TSV Displacement: 1875 fl In class: 1 Acoustic Counterm: None In Service: 2002 Electronic Counterm: None ESM: None Propulsion: Diesel/Waterjet Crew: 30 Size Class: Small Signature: Small/Quiet Sensors: Generic Nav radar J/Intl Military Lift: 1 Mech infantry company or 744 t cargo Remarks: Australian-designed and -built wave-piercing catamaran. Incat Evolution 10B. Intended as Theatre Support Vessel. Can carry 744 tons cargo and 320 troops. The vehicle deck can carry 34 Stryker light armored vehicles. Helo pad for large-sized helicopters and hydraulic stern ramp. Expanded habitability over Joint Venture. Aluminum construction, special damage modifier of -15%. Merchant construction, special damage modifier of -50%. Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 61117 20 22 Surf Spd (Loaded): 38 29 19 10 0 Sinks Surf S. (Unloaded): 42 32 21 11 0 Sinks Swift HSV Displacement: 1875 fl In class: 1 Acoustic Counterm: None In Service: 2003 Electronic Counterm: None ESM: None Propulsion: Diesel/Waterjet Crew: 103 Size Class: Small Signature: Small/Quiet Weapons: Aft pad(1)2 MH-60S B Sensors: 2 Kelvin-Hughes Nav radars J/UK Military Lift: 2 Light infantry companies or 490 t cargo. Vehicle deck can accommodate armored vehicles. Remarks: Australian-designed and -built wave-piercing catamaran. Contracted by Military Sealift Command. Mine Warfare Command and Support ship. Helicopter pad can accommodate large (CH-46- sized) helicopters. Aluminum construction, special damage modifier of -15%. Merchant construction, special damage modifier of -50%. Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 61117 20 22 Surf Spd (Loaded): 38 29 19 10 0 Sinks Surf S. (Unloaded): 42 32 21 11 0 Sinks BT Back to The Naval Sitrep # 25 Table of Contents Back to Naval Sitrep List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 2003 by Larry Bond and Clash of Arms. This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history and related articles are available at http://www.magweb.com