Image source: topwar.ru
The United States is actively increasing the capabilities of its naval forces to provide expeditionary operations. Thus, the US Navy received the 13th Spearhead-class high-speed expeditionary transport ship Apalachicola Apalachicola (EPF 13). This is reported by the American press.
According to official information, the ship is capable of reaching a speed of 45 knots (83 km/h). It can transport a company of Marines, landing boats and even helicopters. The ship can also take V-22 tiltrotor planes on board. But the main feature of the ship is the presence of a fully automated control system, which is designed for thirty days of sailing without human intervention, if the appropriate program is set in advance.
Automation of control makes it possible to significantly reduce the number of crew of an expedition ship, which is very important in the conditions of an increasing shortage of personnel in the naval forces. The Highly Automated Mechanism Control System (MCS) contributes to the centralization of all operations and facilitates the tasks of controlling the ship for its crew.
According to the American press, EPF 13 is the largest surface ship of the US Navy with autonomous capabilities. The ship's control system has already been successfully tested. According to Rusty Murdo, president of Austal USA, which developed this ship, autonomous capabilities allow us to reconsider the nature of expeditionary missions. In coastal waters, this ship is extremely efficient.
The crew of the ship has 36 people. The ship also houses a medical detachment, equipped with 8 beds for isolation and emergency care, 23 beds for patients, two operating rooms.
It should be noted that the US Navy considers ship control automation as one of the most important areas of development, which is of strategic importance for the American fleet.
