Landing Platform Amphibious

HMA Ships Manoora and Kanimbla were originally built for the United States Navy and acquired by the Royal Australian Navy in 1994. Both ships have undergone extensive modifications for their new roles as helicopter capable amphibious transports.

Their primary roles are to transport, lodge ashore and support an Army contingent of 450 troops, their vehicles and equipment. Kanimbla and Manoora are fitted with helicopter hangers capable of supporting up to four Army Blackhawk or three of the larger Navy Sea King helicopters. Two helicopters can operate simultaneously from the aft flight deck, while a third can operate from the flight deck located forward of the bridge.

Two Army LCM8 landing craft can also be carried on the forward flight deck to provide ship to shore transport. They are lifted on and off by a 70 tonne crane. Accessed through a stern door, 810 square metres of storage space is available on the vehicle deck for Army vehicles and other large items of equipment.

For Army and Navy exercises the ships have additional operations and planning rooms that provide for both an Amphibious Group Commander and a Landing Force Commander. A comprehensive and modern array of communications equipment is fitted to support these joint operations.

Both ships are fitted with the largest and most comprehensive medical facilities in the fleet.

Ships

Ship	Pennant	Class	Commissioned
HMAS Kanimbla	L 51	Landing Platform Amphibious	244959429 August 1994
HMAS Manoora	L 52	Landing Platform Amphibious	244968225 November 1994