With the RFA having one of its Bay class ‘landing ship dock’ vessels being withdrawn from service as a result of the Defence review cuts we are pleased to report that our sister service – the Royal Australian Navy – will, today (17 February 2011) welcome the launch of HMAS Canberra, a landing helicopter dock at Navantia – Ferrol, El Ferrol, Spain. The launch is planned for 1446Z to coincide high tide
With the RFA having one of its Bay class ‘landing ship dock’ vessels being withdrawn from service as a result of the Defence review cuts we are pleased to report that our sister service – the Royal Australian Navy – will, today (17 February 2011) welcome the launch of HMAS Canberra, a landing helicopter dock at Navantia – Ferrol, El Ferrol, Spain. The launch is planned for 1446Z to coincide high tide
Navantia-Ferrol is the fifth largest shipbuilder in Europe, and the ninth largest in the world with shipyards all over Spain
HMAS Canberra will carry up to a thousand soldiers and four hundred crew, plus the ability to carry one hundred and fifty vehicles. She will have six helicopters spots along the entire flight deck and transport up to twenty four Army and Navy helicopters. She is 232 metres long, and has a 32 metre draft
HMAS Canberra awaiting her launch
Some of the RAN team who are standing by their ship
This will be the third ship of the Royal Australian Navy to carry the name HMAS Canberra