Q&A · 19:14-20:29

Why an angled flight deck and well deck conflict

A hybrid carrier-amphibious design is technically possible, but docking-down for well-deck operations undermines conventional fixed-wing flight operations.

Question

Can a ship combine an angled flight deck with a well deck, effectively turning a Wasp-class assault ship into a fleet carrier?

Short answer

It is technically possible, but docking-down for well-deck use makes conventional carrier operations impractical; helicopters and STOVL aircraft fit the compromise better.

Notes

Using a well deck requires the ship to dock down, altering its trim and restricting its speed. Those conditions interfere with conventional fixed-wing operations from an angled flight deck. Helicopters and STOVL aircraft tolerate a slowly moving flight deck better. Designs combining both features exist on paper, but cost and the conflict between the two operating modes make the proposed fleet-carrier conversion unattractive.