HMAS Canberra enters commission into Australian Navy at Sydney ceremony

[jhungary]

The largest ship ever built for the Australian Navy has been welcomed into the fleet, with the HMAS Canberra formally commissioned for service.

The commissioning service was held in Sydney with Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Prime Minister Tony Abbott among the dignitaries to welcome HMAS Canberra into the Australian Navy.
Commanding Officer Jonathan Sadleir officially commissioned HMAS Canberra on behalf of the Australian Navy.

The Governor-General said the event marked a major milestone in the history of Australia's defence forces.
"Commissioning is one of the most important ceremonies in the life of a war ship," Sir Peter said.

Photo: Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove at the commissioning ceremony for HMAS Canberra. (ABC: Anne Barker)

"Symbolically it marks when a war ship becomes a part of our Navy and that it's entitled to fly the historic white ensign.

"From the date of commissioning, a war ship is recognised under domestic and international law as a sovereign representative of its nation.

"From today, wherever she may travel in the world, Canberra is all-Australian. The ship and her crew are a part of our nation.

"To the crew, when you set sail, you will do so with the admiration and respect of our nation.
"This is now your opportunity to proudly write a new chapter consistent with the finest traditions of the Royal Australian Navy and the wider Australian Defence Force."
The new ship is the third Navy vessel to be named HMAS Canberra and Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer said all crew and officers were aware of its legacy.

"I have no doubt whatsoever that this Canberra will continue the fine tradition established by her predecessors and add further lustre to an already prestigious name for Queen and country," Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer said.

HMAS Canberra to also get humanitarian missions: Abbott

Also known as a Landing Helicopter Dock or LHD, the ship will be able to land 2,000 armed personnel in helicopters and water craft, complete with vehicles, supplies and ammunition.

It is designed to handle combat situations and humanitarian emergencies, and has a flight deck eight storeys above the water.

Mr Abbott said HMAS Canberra was an important part of Australia's defence strategy for the region, and would also be used in humanitarian emergencies.


Photo: Prime Minister Tony Abbott arrives for the commissioning ceremony for HMAS Canberra. (ABC: Anne Barker)

"This is a proud day for our Navy and a proud day for our country and I am so thrilled to be on this mighty ship," Mr Abbott said.

"While Australia always seeks to make friends rather than foes, you never know what's over the horizon.
"The world remains a difficult and dangerous place. Our armed forces deserve the best possible equipment and our friends and neighbours should know they have the strongest possible ally.

"HMAS Canberra is our largest ever war ship and one of the most capable and sophisticated amphibious assault ships in the world.

"It will also be deployed for humanitarian assistance if disaster strikes in the region."
The construction of the Canberra-class LHD has spanned the globe.

Its 230-metre hull was built in Spain in 2008 before being taken to Williamstown, in Victoria, for the fit-out. Sections of the ship have been assembled in other parts of Australia and shipped to Williamstown for installation.

Second Canberra-class ship due in 2016

HMAS Canberra is one of two Canberra-class LHDs with a sister ship in Adelaide still under construction. The HMAS Adelaide, is expected to be ready for commissioning in 2016.

HMAS Canberra Key Statistics

• Crew: 49 officers, 294 sailors, 50 soldiers
• Homeport: Sydney
• Launched: February 17, 2011
• Commissioned: November 28, 2014
• Load: 27,500 tonnes
• Length: 230m
• Draught: 7.08m
• Maximum Speed: 20+ knots
• Maximum Range: 6,000 nautical miles
• Commanding Officer: Captain Jonathan D Sadleir

The Canberra Class LHDs have been designed to be able to manoeuvre in shallow waters.
They have a large ramp/door at the stern that lowers to allow access for the four LCM-1E amphibious landing vehicles the ship will normally carry.

A 202-metre-long landing deck can support up to four CH-47 Chinook helicopters taking off or landing at the same time.

The Canberra's combined electrical output is the equivalent of 60 Formula One racing cars.

The ship's Amphibious Operations Officer, Major Matthew Singers, said it represented "one of the largest capabilities that's in the Southern Hemisphere".

"It can provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief, and it's been likened to being the Swiss army knife of the ADF's force projection and combat power."

Despite its size, the ship has a crew of just 400, compared to more than 1,000 on some of its predecessors.
Together, the two ships cost more than $2 billion.

HMAS Canberra will stay in its home port in Sydney until it receives its first assignment.



HMAS Canberra enters commission into Australian Navy at Sydney ceremony - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

 

[jhungary]

Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD)

The Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD), also known as a Landing Helicopter Dock, project will provide the Australian Defence Force with one of the most capable and sophisticated air-land-sea amphibious deployment systems in the world.

These 27,000 tonne ships will be able to land a force of over 1,000 personnel by helicopter and water craft, along with all their weapons, ammunition, vehicles and stores.


The Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ship concept.

Characteristics

The largest ships ever built for the Royal Australian Navy, the LHDs are being built as a collaboration between Navantia and BAE Systems - Maritime.


LHD/AWD/FFG/FFH size comparison.

The construction is being done using the modular approach whereby the ship is divided into modules, which are built and fitted out as discrete units, before being welded together to form the completed ship. This allows the ship to be built at a number of different sites across the shipyard before being brought together for final joining.

Construction of the hull to the level of the flight deck, including the majority of fitting out will be undertaken at Navantia's Ferrol-Fene shipyard in north-west Spain. The hull will then be shipped to BAES' Williamstown shipyard in Victoria for the installation of the island structure. The island modules will be constructed at a number of sites around Australian before being moved to Williamstown for final installation on the flight deck.
The ship's roles are to:

• embark, transport and deploy an embarked force (Army in the case of the ADF but could equally be an allied Army or Marines), along with their equipment and aviation units, and
• carry out/support humanitarian missions.

Therefore the requirement is for a multipurpose ship able to operate in both these roles, but not necessarily simultaneously, owing to the differing configuration requirements.

The first LHD, named HMAS Canberra, is due to be commissioned in 2014 and the second ship, HMAS Adelaide, is planned to commission in 2016.

The ship is a conventional steel mono hull design with the superstructure located on the starboard side of the flight deck. There are four main decks: the Well Dock and Heavy Vehicle Deck for heavy vehicles and/or cargo; Main Accommodation Deck, including the Primary Casualty Reception Facility (PCRF); Hangar and Light Vehicle Deck for light weight vehicles and cargo; and the Flight Deck.

The LHD has been designed with the shallowest possible draft to allow her to operate in secondary ports and harbours as well as manoeuvre tactically in the shallow waters common in the littoral regions. Maximum speed is in excess of 20kn with a range of 6,000nm, a sustained maximum speed of 19kn under full-load conditions and an economic cruising speed of 15kn with a range of 9,000nm. She can also reverse with full directional control at up to 8kn.

The LHD has a stern ramp/door that provides access to the well dock for landing craft and vehicles along with a fixed ramp (steel beach) between the well dock and the heavy vehicle/cargo deck (1,410m2). Additionally two lateral ramp doors are located on the starboard side and provide wharf access to the heavy vehicle/cargo deck for vehicles up to 65T. Vehicular access between the heavy and light vehicle decks is achieved via a fixed ramp located on the port side.
The well dock is 69.3m long and 16.8m wide (1,165m2) and the LHD will normally carry four LCM 1E. An additional four RHIBs can be carried behind the LCM 1Es, however this will be mission dependant rather than a normal load out. The well dock has been designed to handle water craft of allied nations, including LCUs, amphibious vehicles and LCACs.

The main accommodation deck is located above the well dock and heavy vehicle/cargo deck and includes crew accommodation, mess decks, medical spaces, galley facilities, office spaces, and recreation rooms. Accommodation is provided for 1400 personnel; approximately 400 ship’s company including the watercraft and flight deck crews and 1000 embarked force personnel including the PCRF, embarked flight, HQ staff and landing force. The LHD will be jointly crewed with personnel from Navy, Army and the Air Force forming the ship’s company.

The LHD's flight deck is 202.3m long and 32m wide (4750m2), allowing the ship to operate a range of ADF rotary wing aircraft including:

• MRH90 helicopter
• CH-47 Chinook helicopter
• Blackhawk helicopter
• S-70B-2 Seahawk
• Armed Reconnaisance Helicopter
• Romeo Seahawk

The flight deck has been configured with six spots on the port side for medium sized aircraft such as the NRH 90 or Blackhawk, which allows for simultaneous take off and landing operations; alternatively it can support simultaneous take off and landing operations of four CH-47 Chinooks.

There are two aircraft elevators – one aft of the flight deck and one fwd of the island on the stbd side - that can accommodate medium sized helicopters, with the after one able to accommodate larger helicopters such as CH 47. Both aircraft elevators service the hangar and light vehicle/cargo deck and the fwd elevator is dual roled for stores and personnel.

Between the flight deck and the accommodation deck is a contiguous hangar and light vehicle deck; the hanger (990m2) occupying the after section of the deck whilst the light vehicle deck (1880m2) is located on the forward section of the deck. The hanger can accommodate up to 8 medium sized helicopters with 18 medium sized helicopters able to be accommodated if the light vehicle deck is also used.

There is a cargo lift that can be used to transfer 20-foot ISO containers and vehicles up to a weight of 16 tonnes between the heavy and light vehicle decks. There are also lifts for ammunition, provisions and casualties. Up to 110 vehicles, depending on the size and configuration, can be loaded across the two vehicles decks
The Command and Control (C2) and Combat Systems will consist of:

• Combat Management System
• Extensive ICT infrastructure to support the ADF’s Command Support Systems and provide C2 capability for the embarked force
• 3D Air Search Radar
• Helicopter Control and Surface Radar
• Navigation Radar
• IFF capability, including Mode S
• ESM/ECM Suite
• Integrated communications system (internal and external), including a Message Handling System, Link 11 and 16, civil and military Satellite Communications
• Electro Optical and IR surveillance systems
• Integrated Navigation System, including an integrated bridge, navigation sensors, AIS and WECDIS.

The LHD will be fitted with a number of defensive systems including:

• Anti-Torpedo Towed Defense System (Nixie)
• Four 20 mm automated guns
• 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns
• Active missile decoy system – Nulka (weight and space reserve)

Major Statistics

• Length Overall 230.82m
• Moulded Beam 32.00m
• Beam Waterline 29.50m
• Flight Deck height 27.50m
• Draft at Full Load Displacement 7.08m
• Full Load Displacement 27,500 tonnes

The LHD utilises an electric drive system similar to that used by major cruise companies such as Cunard. The propulsion/generating plant includes the following main elements:

• One gas turbine (LM 2500) turbo generator of 19,160kW
• Two MAN 16V32/40 diesel generators of 7,448 kW each
• Two Siemens azimuth POD units of 11.0 MW each fitted with two propellers of approx 4.5m diameter
• Two bow thrusters of 1,500kW each
• One Progener-Mitsubishi S16MPTA emergency diesel generator of 1,350kW

Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD) | Royal Australian Navy

Abbots say Australia will consider getting F-35B (VSTOVL Version) of the lighting and possibly be used by Canberra and her sister ships HMAS Adelaide. On the 2016 defence white paper.

HMAS Canberra is currently stationed at Fleet Base East, Garden Island in Sydney.

 

[Carlosa]

Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD)

The Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD), also known as a Landing Helicopter Dock, project will provide the Australian Defence Force with one of the most capable and sophisticated air-land-sea amphibious deployment systems in the world.

These 27,000 tonne ships will be able to land a force of over 1,000 personnel by helicopter and water craft, along with all their weapons, ammunition, vehicles and stores.


The Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ship concept.

Characteristics

The largest ships ever built for the Royal Australian Navy, the LHDs are being built as a collaboration between Navantia and BAE Systems - Maritime.


LHD/AWD/FFG/FFH size comparison.

The construction is being done using the modular approach whereby the ship is divided into modules, which are built and fitted out as discrete units, before being welded together to form the completed ship. This allows the ship to be built at a number of different sites across the shipyard before being brought together for final joining.

Construction of the hull to the level of the flight deck, including the majority of fitting out will be undertaken at Navantia's Ferrol-Fene shipyard in north-west Spain. The hull will then be shipped to BAES' Williamstown shipyard in Victoria for the installation of the island structure. The island modules will be constructed at a number of sites around Australian before being moved to Williamstown for final installation on the flight deck.
The ship's roles are to:

• embark, transport and deploy an embarked force (Army in the case of the ADF but could equally be an allied Army or Marines), along with their equipment and aviation units, and
• carry out/support humanitarian missions.

Therefore the requirement is for a multipurpose ship able to operate in both these roles, but not necessarily simultaneously, owing to the differing configuration requirements.

The first LHD, named HMAS Canberra, is due to be commissioned in 2014 and the second ship, HMAS Adelaide, is planned to commission in 2016.

The ship is a conventional steel mono hull design with the superstructure located on the starboard side of the flight deck. There are four main decks: the Well Dock and Heavy Vehicle Deck for heavy vehicles and/or cargo; Main Accommodation Deck, including the Primary Casualty Reception Facility (PCRF); Hangar and Light Vehicle Deck for light weight vehicles and cargo; and the Flight Deck.

The LHD has been designed with the shallowest possible draft to allow her to operate in secondary ports and harbours as well as manoeuvre tactically in the shallow waters common in the littoral regions. Maximum speed is in excess of 20kn with a range of 6,000nm, a sustained maximum speed of 19kn under full-load conditions and an economic cruising speed of 15kn with a range of 9,000nm. She can also reverse with full directional control at up to 8kn.

The LHD has a stern ramp/door that provides access to the well dock for landing craft and vehicles along with a fixed ramp (steel beach) between the well dock and the heavy vehicle/cargo deck (1,410m2). Additionally two lateral ramp doors are located on the starboard side and provide wharf access to the heavy vehicle/cargo deck for vehicles up to 65T. Vehicular access between the heavy and light vehicle decks is achieved via a fixed ramp located on the port side.
The well dock is 69.3m long and 16.8m wide (1,165m2) and the LHD will normally carry four LCM 1E. An additional four RHIBs can be carried behind the LCM 1Es, however this will be mission dependant rather than a normal load out. The well dock has been designed to handle water craft of allied nations, including LCUs, amphibious vehicles and LCACs.

The main accommodation deck is located above the well dock and heavy vehicle/cargo deck and includes crew accommodation, mess decks, medical spaces, galley facilities, office spaces, and recreation rooms. Accommodation is provided for 1400 personnel; approximately 400 ship’s company including the watercraft and flight deck crews and 1000 embarked force personnel including the PCRF, embarked flight, HQ staff and landing force. The LHD will be jointly crewed with personnel from Navy, Army and the Air Force forming the ship’s company.

The LHD's flight deck is 202.3m long and 32m wide (4750m2), allowing the ship to operate a range of ADF rotary wing aircraft including:

• MRH90 helicopter
• CH-47 Chinook helicopter
• Blackhawk helicopter
• S-70B-2 Seahawk
• Armed Reconnaisance Helicopter
• Romeo Seahawk

The flight deck has been configured with six spots on the port side for medium sized aircraft such as the NRH 90 or Blackhawk, which allows for simultaneous take off and landing operations; alternatively it can support simultaneous take off and landing operations of four CH-47 Chinooks.

There are two aircraft elevators – one aft of the flight deck and one fwd of the island on the stbd side - that can accommodate medium sized helicopters, with the after one able to accommodate larger helicopters such as CH 47. Both aircraft elevators service the hangar and light vehicle/cargo deck and the fwd elevator is dual roled for stores and personnel.

Between the flight deck and the accommodation deck is a contiguous hangar and light vehicle deck; the hanger (990m2) occupying the after section of the deck whilst the light vehicle deck (1880m2) is located on the forward section of the deck. The hanger can accommodate up to 8 medium sized helicopters with 18 medium sized helicopters able to be accommodated if the light vehicle deck is also used.

There is a cargo lift that can be used to transfer 20-foot ISO containers and vehicles up to a weight of 16 tonnes between the heavy and light vehicle decks. There are also lifts for ammunition, provisions and casualties. Up to 110 vehicles, depending on the size and configuration, can be loaded across the two vehicles decks
The Command and Control (C2) and Combat Systems will consist of:

• Combat Management System
• Extensive ICT infrastructure to support the ADF’s Command Support Systems and provide C2 capability for the embarked force
• 3D Air Search Radar
• Helicopter Control and Surface Radar
• Navigation Radar
• IFF capability, including Mode S
• ESM/ECM Suite
• Integrated communications system (internal and external), including a Message Handling System, Link 11 and 16, civil and military Satellite Communications
• Electro Optical and IR surveillance systems
• Integrated Navigation System, including an integrated bridge, navigation sensors, AIS and WECDIS.

The LHD will be fitted with a number of defensive systems including:

• Anti-Torpedo Towed Defense System (Nixie)
• Four 20 mm automated guns
• 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns
• Active missile decoy system – Nulka (weight and space reserve)

Major Statistics

• Length Overall 230.82m
• Moulded Beam 32.00m
• Beam Waterline 29.50m
• Flight Deck height 27.50m
• Draft at Full Load Displacement 7.08m
• Full Load Displacement 27,500 tonnes

The LHD utilises an electric drive system similar to that used by major cruise companies such as Cunard. The propulsion/generating plant includes the following main elements:

• One gas turbine (LM 2500) turbo generator of 19,160kW
• Two MAN 16V32/40 diesel generators of 7,448 kW each
• Two Siemens azimuth POD units of 11.0 MW each fitted with two propellers of approx 4.5m diameter
• Two bow thrusters of 1,500kW each
• One Progener-Mitsubishi S16MPTA emergency diesel generator of 1,350kW

Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD) | Royal Australian Navy

Abbots say Australia will consider getting F-35B (VSTOVL Version) of the lighting and possibly be used by Canberra and her sister ships HMAS Adelaide. On the 2016 defence white paper.

HMAS Canberra is currently stationed at Fleet Base East, Garden Island in Sydney.

Since not enough pics have been released, here are some pics of the sister ship in the Spanish Navy:

 

[Aepsilons]

She's a beautiful ship! Congrats Australia!

 

[Neptune]

I can not wait till 2017 to see the same class of ship under the name TCG Levent.

 

[ravi kiran]

which aircraft's does it carry?

 

[Fsjal]

which aircraft's does it carry?

The HMAS Canberra will be carrying helicopters only, but it's possible to have a VTOL jet like Harrier or F-35B onboard.

 

[Aepsilons]

he he he, and soon the Aussies will have 12 Soryus to prowl their waters.

 

[jhungary]

which aircraft's does it carry?

Currently the HMAS Canberra would carry

• MRH90 helicopter

• CH-47 Chinook helicopter

• Blackhawk helicopter

• S-70B-2 Seahawk

• Armed Reconnaisance Helicopter

• Romeo Seahawk

But PM of Australia have already asked the Department of Defence of Australia to include the F-35B on the 2015 or 2016 defence white paper, If it is so then Australian will operate 2 squadron of F-35B on each of the Canberra Class. But at the moment, they are Chopper Carrier only.

Since not enough pics have been released, here are some pics of the sister ship in the Spanish Navy:
View attachment 163992 View attachment 163994 View attachment 163995 View attachment 163996 View attachment 163997

Well, I took some photo of her when she is berthed at Garden Island, I will post them later when I am not that busy.

I can not wait till 2017 to see the same class of ship under the name TCG Levent.

Think the turkish one would allow fixed wing operation. If it is not because of the labor government in Australia, Canberra would also be build to launch Fix Wing Aircraft from the get go, instead of we must now acquiring upgrade package for it.

She's a beautiful ship! Congrats Australia!

thank you, I think the Canberra is about the same sizes and same design than the JDS Izumo, right??

 

[William Hung]

Currently the HMAS Canberra would carry

• MRH90 helicopter

• CH-47 Chinook helicopter

• Blackhawk helicopter

• S-70B-2 Seahawk

• Armed Reconnaisance Helicopter

• Romeo Seahawk

But PM of Australia have already asked the Department of Defence of Australia to include the F-35B on the 2015 or 2016 defence white paper, If it is so then Australian will operate 2 squadron of F-35B on each of the Canberra Class. But at the moment, they are Chopper Carrier only.



Well, I took some photo of her when she is berthed at Garden Island, I will post them later when I am not that busy.

Shouldn't they be looking for nuke sub to escort it?

I doubt the Soryu diesel sub can stay quiet going over 15 knot.

I guess they think ASW heli will be good enough.

 

[Aepsilons]

thank you, I think the Canberra is about the same sizes and same design than the JDS Izumo, right??

Yes it is.

But PM of Australia have already asked the Department of Defence of Australia to include the F-35B on the 2015 or 2016 defence white paper, If it is so then Australian will operate 2 squadron of F-35B on each of the Canberra Class. But at the moment, they are Chopper Carrier only.

This is going to be an excellent addition to the Canberra Class. May I ask your opinion on what ships will compose of the Carrier Strike Group?

On that note, @jhungary , we should consider making an Australian Armed Forces News & Discussion Thread.

 

[jhungary]

Shouldn't they be looking for nuke sub to escort it?

I doubt the Soryu diesel sub can stay quiet going over 15 knot.

I guess they think ASW heli will be good enough.

Why would you need a nuke sub to guard a non-nuke carrier??

And no, the Australia did not think that, basically, the one that oppose turning the Canberra into Mini-Carrier because they sees it turning into carrier would mean wiping off the vehicle deck (To accommodate the F-35) and this will lose the Amphibious capability. ASW will be the job for P-3C and maybe P8 we may or may not get in 2017

 

[William Hung]

Why would you need a nuke sub to guard a non-nuke carrier??

And no, the Australia did not think that, basically, the one that oppose turning the Canberra into Mini-Carrier because they sees it turning into carrier would mean wiping off the vehicle deck (To accommodate the F-35) and this will lose the Amphibious capability. ASW will be the job for P-3C and maybe P8 we may or may not get in 2017

Because nuke subs with pump jet propulsion like the Astute and Virginia class has a tactical speed of over 20knots.

Most diesel sub usually have a tactical speed that is well under 15 knots. Meaning, their tactical speed is slower than the 15 knots cruising speed of the HMAS Canberra.

@Nihonjin1051 do you know the tactical speed of the Soryu class? I'm gona be nice and guess it's 8 knots. This means that the future Aussie Soryu variant sub cannot escort the surface fleet against enemy subs unless the surface fleet cruise below 10 knots.

 

[Aepsilons]

@Nihonjin1051 do you know the tactical speed of the Soryu class? I'm gona be nice and guess it's 8 knots. This means that the future Aussie Soryu variant sub cannot escort the surface fleet against enemy subs unless the surface fleet cruise below 10 knots.

Submerged our Soryus have a speed of 20 knots, surfaced it has a speed of around 13 knots. This is the Diesel Electric variant.

The Aussies are requesting the Lithium Ion Battery Variant, which has substantially faster speed. Submerged it can be around 25 knots. Surfaced, it can have a speed of over 15 knots.

SS-501 Soryu / 16SS / SS 2,900 ton Class

 

[William Hung]

Submerged our Soryus have a speed of 20 knots, surfaced it has a speed of around 13 knots. This is the Diesel Electric variant.

The Aussies are requesting the Lithium Ion Battery Variant, which has substantially faster speed. Submerged it can be around 25 knots. Surfaced, it can have a speed of over 15 knots.

SS-501 Soryu / 16SS / SS 2,900 ton Class

I mean tactical speed as in (wiki definition) :

Tactical speed

is the maximum speed of a submarine at which it is possible to remain undetected, whilst still having the capability of detecting other ships.

Tactical speed is limited by the acoustic noise generated by the ship itself, which affects the ability to detect external sources of sound. One of the main contributors to internal sources of noise is the propulsion system.

Nuke sub like the Virginia class can travel at the same cruising speed or maybe even at the max speed of the surface fleet while staying quiet. No diesel sub, as far as I'm aware of, can do this.

I'm not sure what the tactical speed of the Soryu class is but I highly doubt it's anywhere near 15 knots.

Most diesel sub has a max submerged speed of ~20 knots but they are noisy at that speed and cannot sustain any decent escort range at 20knots.