Vigor Launches MSV(L) Prototype for US Army

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Vigor Launches MSV(L) Prototype for US Army

Vigor Industrial subsidiary Vigor Shipbuilding unveiled a prototype Manoeuvre Support Vessel ( Light ) or MSV(L) for the US Army (US Army). The MSV(L) will replace the Landing Craft Mechanised-8 (LCM-8), a Vietnam War-era watercraft. This is the US Army’s first major watercraft acquisition in more than 20 years, which intends to build 13 ships in the first wave. The MSV(L) features increased payload capability, providing access in the maritime domain, increased speed and manoeuvrability to move the US Army faster and an improved design for greater geographic access.

The MSV(L) is 35.6 m long and can travel up to 21 knots with a full load or 30 knots without a payload. The ship’s payload is around 82 tonnes, meaning it can carry one M1 Abrams tank configured for combat, two Stryker wheeled fighting vehicles or four JLT-V 4X4 tactical vehicles. The range is 360 nautical miles when fully loaded. The landing craft’s tribow monohull is made of aluminium.

Vigor Launches MSV(L) Prototype for US Army In September 2019, Vigor and the US Army laid the first keel in a ceremony also held in Vancouver. The trials by the company are slated for completion in November 2022, followed by acceptance trials led by Army Watercraft Systems and the Army Test and Evaluation Command.

Vigor Launches MSV(L) Prototype for US Army

A low-level initial production decision on MSV(L) is targeted for early 2023. Further prototypes are scheduled for delivery to the Army Mariner Community in early 2024.

Vigor Launches MSV(L) Prototype for US Army