A 2009 concept for a large amphibious support ship

A 2009 concept paper by Alex Clarke's father opens with contemporary objections to conventional carriers and develops a large amphibious support ship for remote operations. Helicopters must reach the deck and launch within minutes, while heavy lifting equipment and unobstructed internal routes allow troops and vehicles to enter landing craft quickly. Fast wave-piercing catamarans are proposed as an alternative to slower conventional landing craft. Aircraft, machinery, and vehicles must withstand a salt-laden environment, with adequate spares and repair facilities aboard. The procurement proposal calls for concise requirements from a smaller Ministry of Defence and places development costs on the supplier, with the government buying equipment if it works.