EPF FLIGHT II provides a Role 2E medical capability. The EPF’s catamaran design provides inherent stability to allow surgeons to perform underway medical procedures in an onboard operating suite.
Enhanced capabilities to support V-22 flight operations and launch and recover 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) complement the ship’s medical facilities. These Flight II upgrades along with EPF’s speed, maneuverability and shallow water access are key enablers for mission support of future Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations around the world. Flight II retains the capability of the Flight I to support other missions including core logistics capabilities.
Capabilities
- Level I Class 2 facilities for up to V-22 to enhance long-endurance patient transport. Vipo Vikodeck thermal protection for flight deck.
- Personnel elevator to allow non-ambulatory patient access from mission bay.
- Active motion-compensated watercraft launch and recovery system for 11 meter RHIB provides boat operations in up to sea state 5.
- Multi-mission mast provides capability to embark a range of sensors supporting ISR missions.
- Onboard pharmacy, blood bank and laboratory spaces to support onboard medical facilities and mission package.
Specifications
| Hull | Catamaran |
| Length | 338 feet (103 meters) |
| Beam | 93.5 feet (29.5 meters) |
| Draft | 13 feet (4 meters) |
| Speed | 21 knots with medical mission payload |
| Sea state | 10 knots in SS5 |
| Range | 2,000 nautical miles @ 21 knots (medical cargo) |
| Medical beds | 2 operating rooms 23 medical ward beds 10 ICU beds 8 isolation/acute care in berthing |
| Flight operations | up to V-22 |
| Watercraft operations | 11m RHiB launch and recovery system; hydraulic painter boom |
| Propulsion | 4x MTU 20V8000 diesel engine 4x Wartsila steerable, reversing waterjets |