Niuhiti Class (LHD)

Niuhiti Class (LHD)
National Origin		{{{origin}}}
Production History
Service History
Used By		Feguan Navy (Empire of Fegeland)

The Niuhiti class is a class of aircraft and helicopter carriers in service in the Feguan Navy. The official designation of the class is LHD Niuhiti (Landing Helicopter Dock), with indicatives ranging from CH-N01 to CH-N04 for the 4 sisterships in service in the Feguan Navy.

History

Origins

The Niuhiti class is the result of a 3-years designing process by VAA Naval Industries in response to the 2041 Blue Act of Defense, a governmental budget law aiming the renewal and expansion of the Feguan Navy.

In 2039, VAA Naval Industries studied and sketched the concept of a multi-purpose light aircraft carrier, code-named XVH-4. The proposed vessel would be conventionally powered, fitted with a rear dock for landing ships and barges (originally the LCT-07 and LCB-09). A wide deck would cover the top, with a command isle located to the starboard side, alike existing aircraft carriers. This deck would allow the deployment of helicopters, VTOL aircrafts, sub-orbital spacecrafts (such as the Draco- series) and conventional fighters with a short taking-off requirement. Most of Fegeland's indigenous fighters would be able to take off.

When, in 2041, the Blue Act of Defense was acted, VAA Naval Industries proposed the XVH-4 draft, which was approved. Four initial units were ordered for a total of 4 million FF (Fegeland Franc).

Construction began at Ranga Bay Harbor drydocks 4 and 6 (2 units), Fegua (one unit), and Vaimarata (delegated to Huturoan Shipyards for one last unit).

Launch & initial career

The first unit, CH-N01, was christened at Ranga Bay on June 2044. The name "FSS Nuihiti" was chosen after the Feguanesian east wind niuhiti. The other 3 ships were christened soon after, after other major Feguanesian winds : FSS Pafa'ite (CH-N02), FSS Toherau (CH-N03), and FSS Maoa'e (CH-N04).

Specifications

• Crew: 150 + pilots, technicians and embarked troops, for a max. total of 2500.
• Length: 104m.
• Mass: 843 tons.
• Aircraft capacity: 10 fighters on deck, 10 in hangar, or 15 helicopters on deck and 25 in hangar.

Units in service

Four ships have been produced by VAA Naval Industries. The Nuihiti class is allowed for export.

In the Feguan Navy

• FSS Nuihiti (CH-N01)
• FSS Pafa'ite (CH-N02)
• FSS Toherau (CH-N03)
• FSS Maoa'e (CH-N04)