Hi Akari.........it's all a little
murky
![Shocked :o](https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/Smileys/Tug/shocked.gif)
in them there waters
The history of Austal Patented ship designs goes back quite some years, within Australia for success in worldwide applications and markets
I understand the US wanted their own var
iation of the Austal hull designs, but the US Constitution does not allow Naval hull construction to be outside that of the US build/ownership, so hence this is why the US is building hulls in America under Licence to Austal in AustraliaThe
murky bit is where three executives from the US facility were found apparently lacking in their management of procedures and quality, and have since found themselves looking for alternate employment
I understand certain Naval vessels for the US Austal boatyards whilst still in commission, have as you correctly note are subject to restricted speed and sea-state conditions
Having said all of this, the US Congress has approved the construction of 40+ additional vessels from the American facility of Austal
We had one of our newer HMAS Armidale Class [aluminium patrol boat built by Austal] guttered by fire, reported as by an electrical spark for an improperly earthed welding lead
.....resulting with the vessel engulfed in fire and literally melted on the slipwayhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Bundaberg_%28ACPB_91%29Pretty sure HMS Sheffield suffered a similar aluminium fire when hit by an Argentinian missile off the Falklands many years ago
Derek