South Korea’s Defense Administration Program Agency (DAPA) announced on 2 April that The Republic of Korea Navy has received its Third Cheonwangbong class tank landing ship from local shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).
Cheonwangbong-class landing ship tanks (LSTs) are the next-generation landing craft being built for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). The vessels can support a range of missions such as the transportation of troops, supplies and heavy equipment, as well as landing of military forces to remote areas that have no port infrastructure.
The Cheonwangbong class has an overall length of 126.9 m, an overall beam of 19.4 m, and a hull draught of 5.4 m. It has a full load displacement of 7140 tonnes, and can accommodate a crew complement of 130.
Powered by four MAN 12V28/33D engines in a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) configuration, The LST can attain a top speed of 23 kt, an economic cruising speed of 18 kt, and a standard range of 8,000 n miles at 12 kt.
Cargo capacities
The LST is manned by a crew of 130 and can accommodate up to 300 fully equipped infantrymen, two tanks, eight amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs), field and Gatling guns, as well as a variety of vehicles.
The vessel also carries three landing craft mechanised (LCM) boats, of which two are positioned on the bow deck, near the wheelhouse. Each LCM can attain a maximum speed of 20kt, while carrying a tank or approximately 100 fully equipped troops.
Flight deck
The landing ship features a flight deck on the stern of the hull. The deck can handle the operations of up to two helicopters. The embarked helicopters ensure uninterrupted airborne and seaborne ship-to-coast transport capability.
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Sources:
http://www.janes.com
https://www.naval-technology.com