Royal Australian Navy’s multi-role aviation training vessel (MATV) MV Sycamore arrived in Sydney harbor on Monday morning after completing her maiden voyage from Vietnam.
The 94-metre long vessel is now less than a month away from deployment after completing sea trials in April this year.
Built by Damen, MV Sycamore is a special purpose ship that has been designed and constructed to combine both commercial and military characteristics.
Although the vessel will be commercially operated, she will integrate numerous strategic features. These include, for example, a helicopter deck with associated training facilities, dedicated aviation operational spaces, multifunctional mission deck and workshops as installed on the latest Royal Australian Navy ships.
“It is definitely an impressive sight to see the Sycamore enter Sydney harbour,” states Damen sales director Asia Pacific Roland Briene . “The MATV project really highlights what can be achieved with this joint team effort. We have accomplished the on-time and on-budget construction of a complex vessel that will provide an efficient, functional and comfortable training platform for the Royal Australian Navy.”
Sycamore’s chief role will be to provide a training platform for helicopter-related operations, such as helicopter deck landings and take off, helicopter (in-flight) refuelling operations and air traffic control.
MV Sycamore will additionally be able to undertake torpedo and mine recovery operations, navigation training, dive support, Officer Sea Familiarisation, target towing and consort duties as well as unmanned aerial vehicle support.
The official handover of the MV Sycamore is scheduled for 28 July 2017.