Fleet Air Arm
Association of Australia
Amphibious Transport Ship
HMAS Manoora
Sea King helicopter operating on the amphibious transport ship HMAS Manoora
HMAS Manoora (along with HMAS Kanimbla) were originally built for the United States Navy and were acquired by the Royal Australian Navy in 1994.
Both ships have undergone extensive modifications for their new roles as helicopter-capable amphibious transports.
Their primary roles are to transport, lodge ashore and support an Army contingent of 450 troops, their vehicles and equipment.
Kanimbla and Manoora are fitted with helicopter hangers capable of supporting up to three Navy Sea King or four Army Blackhawk helicopters.
Two helicopters can operate simultaneously from the aft flight deck, while a third can operate from the flight deck located forward of the bridge.
Statistics
Displacement: 8,534 tonnes
Length: 159.2 metres
Beam: 21.2 metres
Ships company: 182
Propulsion: six ARCO 16-251 diesel engines
Speed: 20 knots
Weapon systems: one 20mm Vulcan Phalanx close-in weapons system; 50 cal Browning machine guns; SRBOC self-defence system
Cargo capability: 2 LCM8 landing craft; 3 Sea King or 4 Blackhawk helicopters
See also:
Sea King helicopters; or return to
Ships index