Their aviation capability grows from amphibious warfare rather than the fleet-carrier mission set. LPHs and LHDs balance troops, helicopters, landing craft, and sometimes a small fixed-wing component in ways a strike carrier does not. HMS Ocean was conceived to rush Royal Marines and helicopters toward Norway, unload quickly, withdraw, and accept unusually severe wartime risk. Her survivability assumptions and need for helicopter deck spots outweighed the apparent benefit of a ski jump for fixed-wing aircraft.
Chapter · 1:09:54-1:15:14
Amphibious aviation ships serve a different mission from fleet carriers
LPHs and LHDs are designed around troops, helicopters, and landing craft, even when they can also operate a limited number of fixed-wing fighters.