The America-class amphibious assault ship: a versatile light aircraft carrier
The United States Navy deploys the America-class LHA, an amphibious assault ship that also functions as a light aircraft carrier. Its architecture focuses on maximizing aviation capabilities, with an uninterrupted flight deck that facilitates operating various types of aircraft simultaneously. 🚢
Ship architecture and dimensions
With a 257-meter length overall, 32-meter beam, and 8-meter draft, its profile is imposing. The most notable feature is its continuous, unobstructed flight deck, accompanied by a single large island on the starboard side. It integrates two high-capacity elevators to move aircraft and several radomes for its sensors, allowing it to maintain a high tempo of air operations.
Key structural features:- Unobstructed continuous flight deck for takeoff and landing.
- Large single island, positioned on the starboard side to optimize space.
- Two-elevator system connecting the hangar to the main deck.
The LHA configuration prioritizes managing a high number of aircraft departures and arrivals, acting as a floating air operations center.
Aerial capabilities and force projection
This ship is designed to transport and deploy a highly potent combined force. Its embarked air group can include advanced F-35B Lightning II short takeoff and vertical landing fighters, along with attack and heavy transport helicopters. Additionally, it carries vehicles and Marine Corps personnel to execute amphibious operations.
Elements of its embarked group:- Stealth fixed-wing F-35B aircraft for air superiority.
- Helicopters for assault, transport, and logistical support.
- Amphibious vehicles and troops for shore landing.
Weapons systems and integrated defense
To protect itself, the ship employs a layered defense system. This includes missiles for aerial threats and close-in defense systems to intercept targets that get too close. The crew relies on these successive barriers, though they prefer not to have to use the last defensive resources.
Main components of its defense:- Two