Peruvian Navy awaits launch of first new LPD in November 2016

[Zarvan]

BAP Pisco, the first of the Peruvian Navy's two new LPDs, in build at the SIMA shipyard in Callao, Peru. Source: Guy Toremans
Key Points

• Peru is awaiting the launch of its first new LPD later this year
• Following harbour and sea trials in 2017, it is planned that the ship will be ready for operations by early 2018

The Peruvian Navy (Marina de Guerra del Perú: MGP) is anticipating the launch of the first of two new landing platform dock (LPD) vessels, BAP Pisco, in November 2016. The Buque Multipropósito ship will then undergo harbour and sea acceptance trials that will run throughout 2017.

Harbour trials will start almost immediately, once the ship is in the water. These trials will focus on power distribution, basic hull and machinery issues, and ship stability. Sea trials, which will follow the pier-side activity, will test all aspects of the propulsion system to ensure the ship is ready for longer periods at sea. After this, more extensive trials will take place, with the LPD working with other ships and aircraft.

"Preparing a first-of-class for an exhaustive trials programme is a major undertaking, involving a logical progression from machinery items all the way through to fully exercising the combat system, to guarantee that all parts work harmoniously," said the head of the navy, Commander General Admiral Edmundo Deville del Campo.

The corvette BAP Ferre is pictured here arriving in Callao, following a 45-day transit from South Korea. (Peruvian Navy)

"Pivotal will be the validation of the combat, communications, and weapon systems - as well as [the ship's] sealift capabilities, by putting the LCMs [landing craft mechanical-type platforms] to work with vehicle and troop landings," he added.

Alongside providing new capability and flexibility, the admiral noted that "to say at least, the introduction of the first-of-class will be challenging. There is always a learning curve involved when new assets join the fleet. Operating these units will require new operational concepts, as well as new training serials to pave the way for our marines such as exercises that focus on bringing troops from the sea to shore and the use of LCM-type landing craft".

Want to read more? For analysis on this article and access to all our insight content, please enquire about our subscription options　ihs.com/contact




To read the full article, Client Login
(340 of 991 words)

http://www.janes.com/article/64603/peruvian-navy-awaits-launch-of-first-new-lpd-in-november-2016

 

[Penguin]

Makassar class lpd variation. I like those small south korean ships: lots of gun power.