Expeditionary Fast Transport model
Date2008
Object number00054857
NameModel
MediumPlastic
DimensionsOverall: 300 × 350 × 890 mm
Just model 220 x 210 x 740mm
Just model 220 x 210 x 740mm
Copyright© Austal
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Austal
Collections
DescriptionModel of an Austal aluminium twin hull Expeditionary Fast Transport (EFT) catamaran in 1:150 scale.
HistoryThe Expeditionary Fast Transport (EFT) is a high-speed, shallow draft catamaran is based on a commercial car ferry design and is intended for rapid intratheatre transport of medium-sized cargo payloads. The EPT reaches speeds of 35–45 knots (65–83 km/h) and allows the rapid transit and deployment of conventional or special forces as well as equipment and supplies.
The US Army and US Navy have jointly ordered 10 EPTs, reflecting the changing role of these forces in emergency disaster response, peacekeeping and targeted operations that require a small force and equipment to be delivered swiftly to estuarine and shallow ports or along undeveloped coastlines
SignificanceThe model represents vessels significant in the history of the application of innovation in Australian marine architecture and construction to naval and military applications, and to Austalian / USA trade in maritime products.The design of the Littoral Combat Vessel incorporates wave piercing and multi-hull catamaran design and aluminium manufacturing innovations developed by Robert Clifford and Philip Hercus in the 1970s and 80s.