The shipbuilder Birdon has commenced the construction of a prototype landing craft, which represent s a new class aimed at an Australian Army requirement. Once finished, it will represent a full-scale operational proof-of-concept vessel.
Being built in Echo Marine Group’s Henderson, Western Australia shipyard, it was jointly designed by Birdon and naval architect firm Incat Crowther.
The Australian Army is seeking replacements for its landing craft under the Littoral Manoeuvre Vessel - Medium (LMV-M) programme that goes under the tag Project Land 8710 Phase 1A. This landing craft under construction is Birdon’s offering. Jamie Bruce,
Birdon’s CEO, commented: ‘As a privately owned Australian company with international operations, championing the crucial role of small and medium enterprises in Australian manufacturing and supply chains is core to our offering. This self-funded initiative is supporting new jobs in Western Australia right throughout the supply chain. Made with Australian steel and at Birdon’s own cost and risk, this investment demonstrates the high confidence we have in our solution and our commitment to provide the Australian Army with a proven vessel capable of operating in littoral, riverine and open-ocean environments.
The review and refinement of our solution will utilise a real vessel, with the benefit of a streamlined build programme and a reduction in technical risk across the design, build and support phases.
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