Why helicopter cruisers gave way to helicopter carriers

Why did navies move from helicopter cruisers to helicopter carriers, and could the cruiser return?

Helicopter carriers add amphibious capacity, while modern escorts distribute helicopters across the fleet and reduce the need for a dedicated helicopter cruiser.

Helicopter cruisers emerged when few other warships could operate rotary-wing aircraft. Once frigates and destroyers routinely carried their own helicopters, the fleet no longer needed one cruiser to concentrate the basic aviation function. Dispersing aircraft among escorts also made that capability less dependent on a single hull. A larger helicopter carrier remained attractive because it could combine aviation with troops, landing operations, and other amphibious support.