An amphibious assault vehicle departs from the well deck of an amphibious vessel.
Naval architects continue to seek to
expand the flight deck, and the Japanese Oosumi class have both forward and aſt flight decks, although no hangers, and a similar concept with hangers is being considered for Italy’s next generation of LPDs. Neighbouring South Korea’s circa
19,000tonne ROKS Dokdo has a full-length flight deck and there are plans for another two vessels, while Italy’s 7980tonne San Giorgio class also has a full flight deck, with three helicopter spots and a replacement class option is a similar full flight deck. Turkey also has a requirement for LPDs,
and the bids put in on 16 May are all believed to incorporate full-flight decks with a domestic design competing with those from China and Spain. DCNS was apparently unable to secure a Turkish partner and is believed to have abandoned bidding.
regarded the Mistral as too small, and the Canberra class will be commissioned in 2014 and 2015 respectively, their hulls being completed in Spain and then fitted out in Australia by BAE Systems Australia. While the helicopter carrier has
evolved into a composite with the LSD, the dock landing platform is increasingly taking on the appearance of a helicopter carrier or amphibious assault ship with large flight decks. Te distinction between the two is increasingly blurred, although both are designed to deploy a mechanised battalion group.
Makin Island (LHD 8) has an innovative gas turbine-electric hybrid propulsion system.
It appears the LHA/LHD is designed
to deliver spearhead forces while the LPD provides support forces to expand a bridgehead. US Navy amphibious groups are usually built around one of each type. For this reason the US Navy is continuing to order the controversial San Antonio (LPD 17) class, which have a large helicopter deck capable of operating four aircraſt; Indonesia is building multi-role vessels, beginning with the 11,400tonne KRI Makassar, vessels which have a flight deck together with a well deck as do the British Albion class.
From ship to shore Meanwhile, navies are considering how they may improve the transport of troops from ships to the beach. Te US Navy has launched its Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC), which will be a replacement for the LCAC, with a request for proposals issued in August 2010 for a contract worth up to US$4 billion to design and build 72 SSCs. Te contract for detailed design work, and construction of the first test and training craſt, is expected to be awarded this year and the US Navy is seeking a platform capable of carrying 74tonnes at up to 35knots with higher fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs than the existing LCACs. Te Europeans are looking at catamaran
solutions, and France’s Socarenam yard in St Malo is producing four 30m Engin de Débarquement Amphibie-Rapide (EDA-R) catamaran landing craſt, designed by CNIM, for use in the Mistrals, which will embark two each. Te EDA-R can carry up to 80tonnes at 18knots and the yard hopes to get orders for another two from the French Navy and for more to equip Russian Mistrals. For its part, the UK has been evaluating
QinetiQ’s Partial Air Cushion Supported Catamaran (Pacscat) technology demonstrator since August 2010. Tis 30m vessel is propelled by twin waterjets driven by diesel engines. Te PASCAT can carry 55tonnes and is being evaluated as part of the Ministry of Defence Fast Landing Craſt Design Solutions Study. WT
Warship Technology July/August 2011 27
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