The two MISTRAL-class LHDs are the most recent addition to the French Navy's amphibious
assault capabilities. (All photos: via Author unless otherwise stated)
Artist's impression of the future Spanish JUAN CARLOS I Strategic Projection Ship (right)
sailing alongside the STVOL carrier PRINCIPE DE ASTURIAS.
(and, for them, novel) role of power projection, but also as centrepieces of naval
task groups. Additionally, the need to participate to multinational Peace Support
Operations is also shaping the needs of navies which had no previous experience
in expeditionary and amphibious operations.
Though it is nearly impossible to cover with a significant degree of depth all the
recent worldwide designs for amphibious vessels, some interesting solutions that
are currently under construction are well worth to be described, either for their
technical aspects or for the operational relevance they are going to provide to the
respective navies.
US - the Gator's Navy
The US is for very many good and evident reasons by far the most important
operator of amphibious warfare vessels. The current requirement involves the
capability to operate twelve Expeditionary Strike Groups (ESG), which replaced
the former concept of Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). An ESG is nominally
composed by an aviation capable ship (either a LHA or a LHD), one LPD and one
LSD, with the addition of a cruiser, a destroyer, a frigate, an attack submarine
and other supporting forces as required.
The eight 16,000 tons LSDs of the WHID-BEY ISLAND class and the four
HARPERS FERRY-class Cargo Variant-LSDs were commissioned during the
nineties and offer traditional capabilities (at least in the US view). Their most
relevant feature is, probably the four-LCAC capable'well deck (or three LCUs, or
21 LCMs) for the standard version, while the Cargo-Variant has a shorter well
deck but much increased cargo-carrying capabilities. The remaining amphibious
vessels (seven LPD-4s, four reserve LSTs and five reserve LKAs, plus the already
decommissioned LSD-36 class) are being replaced by the 25,300 tons SAN
ANTONIO class LPDs, five of which have already been commissioned with four
further units building or planned. There are debates about the final number,
because with just nine LPDs, the twelve-ESG goal wouldn't be feasible.
RAF LARGS BAY is the
lead vessels in a new
class of amphibious
landing ships for the
Royal Navy. (Photo: UK
MoD)
The SAN ANTONIOs (LPD-17s) are the first ships designed to operate the MV-22
OSPREY tilt-rotor aircraft (one in the hangar and four on flight deck, two of which
simultaneously operating), and the first amphibious vessels to have a significant
combat system, including even Mk41 VLS for 64 ESSM missiles (though presently
not yet fitted), Cooperative Engagement Capability, and two advanced enclosed
masts with SPS-48E long range 3-D radar and SPQ-9B for surface horizon search
and target acquisition. The LPD-17s are also the first amphibious ships to be
designed to be stealth.
Despite these innovative features, or possibly because of them, the first ship is
experiencing severe delays and teething problems which will be, no doubt, solved
in follow-on units, yet are causing significant concerns.
Both the LPD and LSD classes lack a relevant aviation capability that is essential
for the present-days type of operation. The latter is provided by the large LHDs
and LHAs. The need to replace the ageing LHA class (set to be fully
decommissioned by 2015) caused the US Navy to find a new solution. An
additional LHD (LHD-8 MAKING ISLAND) is now being built, seven years after the
last "traditional" LHD. The main difference is the presence of an all-electric drive,
with two LM-2500-Plus gas turbines replacing the former steam plant, while other
improvements include the combat system and the electronic outfit. A second aviation vessel boasting new features is being built, the LHA-6, previously known as
LHA(R) and LHX. Though apparently similar to the LHD and LHA design, LHA-6
lacks a stern well deck (for the first time on a contemporary US amphibious
vessel) therefore lacking the capability of operating landing craft and heavy vehicles. In exchange, it will offer a significant expansion as regards the capability for
operating and maintaining aircraft (two more F-35Bs or three MV-22s, 40% more
hangar surface, double the JP5 fuel capacity). Many other relevant features will
be directly inherited by the LHD-8 design, such as the island structure, the electronic suite, and the propulsion plant. It is still unclear whether additional ships
will have the same configuration. Another relevant doubt is related to the final
number of aviation-capable ships required, especially concerning the fate of one
LHD and two LHA(R)s, scheduled to be part of the Sea Basing Squadron - will
they be additional vessels or will be taken from the existing inventory?
In addition to their main roles,
amphibious assault ships are often
modified for command and control
roles mainly due to the large spaces
available. Picture shows the
operations control room onboard
the Dutch LPD JOHAN DE WITT.
The 3,000m2 hangar deck can house up to twelve aircraft, while the adjacent light
vehicle garage can provide additional space if required. The maximum aircraft
transport capability amounts to 30 helicopters, including up to ten CH-47s in
storage configuration without rotor blades. In turn, also the hangar can be used
as extension for the light vehicle garage. In the vehicle transport configuration
the full load displacement rises to 27,100 tons, and the overall capacity includes
up to 30 LEOPARD 2 MBTs, a large number of wheeled vehicles, and up to 144
TEU containers. The stern well deck has a capability of four LCM-1E landing craft
and is compatible with the US LCAC air cushion landing craft; when no landing
craft are carried, the well deck offers additional space for up to 16 MBTs. The BPE
offers accommodations for 1443 personnel: 243 ship's complement, 103
command staff, 172 aviation, 23 landing craft, and 902 troops.
The BPE will be capable to fulfil the roles of Maritime Component Commander
(MCC), Commander Joint Task Force (CJTF), or Commander Amphibious Task
Force (CATF), thanks to the large communications suite, command facilities, and
staff accommodations. Another important feature is the extensive medical
facilities, with a dedicated elevator linking the stern well dock, the flight deck and
the hangar to the hospital, in order to facilitate and accelerate the movement of
casualties.
With the arrival of the JUAN CARLOS I the Spanish Navys amphibious task group,
now based on two GALICIA-class LPDs and a NEWPORT-class LST, will achieve a
significant capability.
Artist's impression
of the two future
CAMBERRA-ciass
LHDs for the Royal
Australian Navy
(modified Navantia
BPE design) sailing
in formation.
(Photo: Navantia)
meaning Embarked Command Post at Operational Level) covers 850m2 with 150
plug-and-play workstations in a modular and flexible arrangement. Besides the
standard navy equipment, the communication suite includes Fleet SatCom,
Inmarsat, and the Syracuse military SatCom. The 750m2 hospital includes two
surgical rooms, one X-ray room, and 69 beds, 19 of which for intensive care. An
additional 50 beds can be provided by fitting an ETM modular medical facility
within the helicopter hangar.
Artist's impression of the future
LHA-6. She will be the first modern
US Navy amphibious assault ship
without a stern well deck, this being
replaced by expanded aviation
capabilities, and accordingly she
should rather be designated as a
LPH.
Despite the larger size and capabilities, and the high automation level, the BPC
cost was contained at the same level as their predecessors (650 million for two
vessels).
Besides the basic Marine Nationale's model, the BPC design is also being offered
to potential export customers in different modular sizes, ranging from BPC 140
(14,000 tons, five helicopter spots, one elevator) and BPC 160 (16,000 tons, five
helicopter spots, two elevators), up to BPC 250 (25,000 tons, seven spots).
USS SAN ANTONIO is the lead
ship in a new class of enhanced
LPDs for the US Navy.
the three Royal Australian Navy's AAW destroyers, leading to an about 6 billion
overall contract value to the Spanish shipyard. The Australian requirement called
for a combined (two ships) capability able to embark, sustain and deliver a
combined arms battle group made up of a landing combat force of some 1200
and a supporting group of 800 for up to 45 days afloat and for ten days ashore.
The combined airlift capability of the two ships will enable to launch a
simultaneous vertical assault with a force of 200, thanks to the MH-90 helicopters
also being procured. Both the DCNS and Navantia designs were modified to better
respond to the Australian requirements. For instance, the French proposed BPC
derivative was fitted with larger elevators in order to move helicopters with
unfolded rotors, while the need to transport a larger amount of troops resulted in
redesigned accommodations, replacing the original 4-berth cabins for 6- and 8berth cabins.
The Spanish solution was primarily selected on the basis of its larger troop
capacity, much more than its competitor, and (possibly) the presence of a ski
jump on the flight deck, that could be interesting to enhance interoperability with
the USMC or should Australia select the STOVL variant of the F-35 Joint Strike
Fighter. The ships will be fitted with the Saab 9LV combat system.
There was much discussion about a possible role of the DOKDOs as STOVL
carriers. This is a sensitive subject, since many regional powers (China, Japan
and South Korea itself), harbour "carrier ambitions" and would additionally
consider the other's achievement as a threat. Earlier reports described a ski
jump, either fixed or modular and removable, but this wasn't confirmed and the
presence of a GOALKEEPER CIWS just in the middle of the bow seems a clear
indication of a political decision to operate helicopters only. However, arguably in
order to increase interoperability with the US forces, the flight deck is covered
with a heat-resistant layer which would enable STOVL operations with the AV-8B
or the F-35B.
The DOKDOs can also operate as helicopter carriers for Sea Control operations,
and a Battle Command System with specific C4ISR functions is part of the ships'
outfit, together with a SMART-L long-range 3D radar and a MW-08 surface search
radar.
Apparently this capable design is being considered also by the Royal Malaysian
Navy for an increase of its amphibious and projection capabilities.
Type 071 - China's New Entry
After countless rumours, eventually a new model of amphibious assault ship is
now being built for the Chinese PLA(N). The vessel, known as Type 071, is fitting
out at the Hudong Shipyard in Shanghai where it was launched in December
2006, with a possible in-service date sometimes during 2008.
The most striking feature of the Chinese design is certainly its shape. This is a
rather handsome ship, slender though imposing, therefore quit different from the
aspect of most vessels in this category. Type 071 is estimated to have a 17,600
tons displacement, with an overall length of 210m and a beam of 27m. The
length-to-beam ratio is definitely higher than for any other amphibious vessel,
and roughly comparable to the figure for a destroyer or the innovative Danish
ABSALON-class Flexible Support Ships. The large well deck, likely extending twothirds of the entire vessel, can house up to four air-cushion vehicles. Besides the
stern gate/ramp, two side doors and ramps allow easier and faster pierside
loading operations. There is a large flight deck and hangar, though it is still
unclear whether the Z-8 helicopter (copy of SUPER FRELON) could be housed in
the hangar.The combat system includes one 76mm gun (fore) and four AK-630
Gatling guns, with a remarkable possibility of the presence of a HQ7 eight-cell
launcher for air defence.
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The Type 071 will supplement an amphibious force which is soaring at a rather
impressive rate. Just over the last ten years as many as 15 YUTING-class LSTs,
ten YUNSHU-class LSMs and ten YUBEI-class LCU were added to the fleet
inventory. The Chinese amphibious doctrine requires LSTs to operate in vicinity of
the objective, either beaching or launching Type 63A swimming tanks, with small
units of Special Forces or assault teams to be deployed by helicopters and/or fast
assault boats. The future availability of a number of Type 071 LPDs (up to six
were rumoured), could enhance the feasibility of an over-the-horizon assault
operation, thus reducing the danger of facing coastal defences - like those fielded
by Taiwan.
The modular concept of the
"Enforcer" family by Royal
Schelde allows for many
different configurations.
Another design, provisionally known as Type 081 LHD offers instead a carrier-like
flight deck. The announced building of the Type 081 would offer not only a much
greater helicopter-borne assault capability, but would also provide a number of
attack and ASW helicopters for surface warfare, creating the conditions for a
quicker growth towards a carrier-capable PLA(N).
The "Enforcer" family
Royal Schelde successfully designed the LPD ROTTERDAM, the first example of
the fortunate "Enforcer" family, though at that time it was not yet conceived as a
modular design and was rather known as ATS (Amphibious Transport Ship). The
same design was also selected by Spain and built by Navantia in two units. Then
followed the JOHAN DE WITT for the Royal Netherlands Navy, a modified design
including a relevant command and control capability. Further, the UK selected the
basic design for the four BAY-class LSD(A) replacing all the former SIR-class
amphibious ships operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service. The Portuguese
Navy is also building a smaller variant of the same family (NAVPOL, Navio
Polivalente Logistico), and the design was considered by the Belgian Navy,
thought shelved for budgetary problems.
The "Enforcer" family is being offered in three different beams and different
displacements ranging from 8,000 to 22,000 tons. The deck arrangement
includes either a LPD configuration with fore superstructures or a LHD scheme
with a starboard side island, for a total of different 20 versions. Additionally for
the propulsion either standard propellers, azimuth thrusters or electrical pods can
be arranged. Traditional mechanical propulsion or all-electric is also possible,
offering nearly countless combinations.
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The first Type 071 LPD for the PLA Navy fitting out in Shanghai. Her graceful, slender hull
lines are a significant departure from conventional design criteria for amphibious assault
ships.
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The preliminary design indicates a ship with an overall length of 175m and a
maximum beam of some 30m, capable to transport a landing force of 600 people.
The stern well deck should house four landing craft, similar to the Spanish LCM1E (as required by the Joint Spanish-Italian Landing Force). Apparently the well
deck should be capable to operate the British GRIFFON-2000 hovercraft, but not
the larger US-made LCAC. The flight deck would feature five landing spots for
helicopters, with a hangar and garage decks connected by two elevators.
The military requirements call for three LHDs, progressively replacing the present
SAN GIORGIO-class small LPDs. However the definition process is still in
progress, with the aim of contracting the ship first ships in late 2008 and having
it in service by 2012, with the two further units following at some three year's
interval. A possible international cooperation programme is also being evaluated,
especially considering that other countries could be interested in such kind of
amphibious vessel.
The Indonesian TANJUNG DALPELE LPD was ostensibly procured as a hospital ship, but it is
being operated for a variety of military roles.
A Growing Market
Besides the major programmes as mentioned above, several other countries are
interested in creating or renovating their amphibious and power projection
capabilities. Poland, for instance, has a requirement for up to four Strategic
Support Ships of some 10,000 tons, capable to transport 500 troops, 20 vehicles
and up to six helicopters, though the programme is currently stopped for lack of
funds. Brazil wants to replace two vintage ex-USN LSDs, and different solutions
are being evaluated. During late 2006 the Canadians tested an US Navy LSD for
operating a infantry company and five helicopters of the Standing Contingency
Force, but despite a strong interest, no decision was yet taken on the way ahead
(either procuring or leasing). Turkey is looking for an advanced LPD or an LHD to
increase its amphibious resources.
The Indonesian TANJUNG DALPELE (11,400 tons) LPD offers an interesting solu
tion, and though originally procured as hospital ship, is being operated also as
military cargo ship, support vessel for minor craft and eventually also for patrol
duties (and in this role had an accident with some Chinese fishing vessels
operating in her area of responsibility). A further four units were announced (one
of which is to have a command capability), and the second unit is now being built
in Korea.
One last consideration concerns the LST designs. Though the contemporary
amphibious doctrine favours the choice of LPDs and LSDs, yet a number of
countries are still building LST design, i.e. amphibious vessels capable (at least
theoretically) of beaching, without a stern well deck, with limited (or no)
helicopter facilities. Their main task is to deploy troops and vehicles either directly
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The Russian Project 11711E IVAN GREN is a modern interpretation of the LST concept.
During the recent years, for instance, Greece procured the five 4,400 tons
JASON-class, South Korea after having built the four 4,300 tons ALLIGATORclass (a variant of which was also exported to Venezuela), now plans an
additional three-four 4,500-ton LSTs to enter service between 2013
and 2016, while India is now building a class of five 5,700 tons LSTs (MAGAR
class) derived from the SIR LANCELOT design, after having commissioned in
January 2007 a 16,500 tons second-hand US LPD, capable to operate, among
other assets, six SEA KING Commando helicopters. Russia is even building a
replacement for the ageing ALLIGATOR class under the form of a very
close follow-on, the Project 11711E IVAN GREN - a LST of just 5000-6000 tons,
though with some apparent effort to achieve a reduced signature design.
LPHs such as HMS OCEAN are
pure helicopter carriers,
designed for vertical assault
operations but without the
capability to operate landing
craft.
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