Austal has selected Taber Extrusions to supply aluminium extruded products for the US Navy’s joint high-speed vessel (JHSV) defence programme.

Under the contract, Taber will manufacture the main deck and flight deck extrusions for the joint high-speed vessel, JHSV 2 Vigilant.

The company will also provide the 5083 tee extrusions for JHSV 1 Fortitude and JHSV 2 Vigilant.

The JHSV is capable of transporting 300 troops and defence equipment for four days and can carry 700t, including Abrams main battle tanks, 1,200nm at an average speed of 35kt.

Austal USA is the prime contractor and currently has contracts to build the first three JHSVs under a ten-vessel programme worth $1.63bn.