PAL launches mily LPD ship

PT PAL Indonesia launched Landing Platform Dock (LPD) worth 19.9 million US dollars ordered by the Defence Ministry for the Indonesian Navy. "The LPD is the third of four ordered with Daewoo International Corporation and built by PT PAL Indonesia," defence equipment director general Air Marshal Eris Herryanto said here, Thursday. The ministry ordered four LPDs through the export credit facility with Daewoo International Corporation, by signing a Manufacturing and Purchasing Contract on December 19, 2003. Two of the ordered LPDs were built in Korea and are now already operating, meanwhile two others are built by PT PAL Indonesia as a technology transfer project. The LPD launch was delayed nine times. "PAL Indonesia`s readiness to accept the order was based on our experience, since 1980 our industry has built 150 ships of different sizes and types," said PT PAL Managing Director, Hars Susanto, during the LPD Launching. PT PAL Indonesia has produced mercant ships of up to 50,000 DWT (Deadweight tonnes) and warships, with their length ranging from 14 meters, 28 meters and 57 meters and Fast Patrol Boats of many versions. The third and fourth LPD built by PT PAL Indonesia was built specially with 100-mm guns and equipped with fire control system which enable for an effective self defence. The LPD W000239 spesifications are, 125 m overall length, 4.9 m maximun draft, 15 knot maximum speed, 344 personel maximun embarkation and able to carry four helicopters.