U.S.S. Joint Venture
IX-532
2003
(Rhenania Junior RJN-120)
- Class: Incat Type - 1 high speed vessel of 2001
- Displacement: 940 tons light; 1,668 tons full load
- Dimensions: 319' x 85'4" x 11'3"
- Machinery: 4 diesel engines (Caterpillar 3618), 4 waterjets, 30,000 bhp = 35 knots sustained; 50 knots maximum light
- Guns: several 50cal MG
- Helicopters: Landing area
- Troops: 600 (airline-style seats) + cargo/vehicles
- Complement: 30
- Builder: INCAT, Hobart, Australia
- Completed: 1998
- Chartered: 23 Jul 2001
- Released: 2006
- Notes: One of six wave-piercing catamarans built by Incat as high-speed car ferries. Contracted by U.S. Armed Forces for a five-year, joint Army/Navy program as Joint Venture. Navy classification as miscellaneous vessel IX-532 but hull marked HSX-V1. Flight deck added, with ability to ferry approximately 600 combat personnel and 400 tons of cargo up to 3,000 nautical miles at speeds near 40 knots. Assigned in 2003 to Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa. At the end of charter, she was handed back to Incat, and returned to vehicle ferry duties. Currently sailing on the Irish Sea as Manannan for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
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