Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 30:11-35:33

A San Antonio missile escort and drone mother ship

A San Antonio derivative could be a large missile escort and drone mother ship, with a speculative capacity of 192-240 VLS cells. No procurement total is specified.

Ballistic Missile DefenceMissile ShipsNaval ProcurementSan Antonio Class Amphibious Transport DocksUncrewed Surface VesselsUncrewed Underwater VehiclesVertical Launch SystemsZumwalt Class Destroyers
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Question

How should an LPD-17 ballistic-missile-defence conversion be used, and how many should be procured?

Short answer

A San Antonio derivative could be a large missile escort and drone mother ship, with a speculative capacity of 192-240 VLS cells. No procurement total is specified.

Notes

A San Antonio conversion could fill the role of a large missile escort, and more shipyards could build it than could build the proposed nuclear battleship. Its existing hull has substantial space and fuel capacity, while an enhanced engine fit could improve speed and range. The well deck could support uncrewed surface and underwater vessels. A missile fit of roughly 192-240 VLS cells is suggested as possible while retaining space for the drone role and other equipment. The proposed launcher fit is judged too small, with another VLS system associated with Zumwalt suggested alongside Mk 41. A later comment adds that the ship's own cranes could offer the potential to reload its VLS while under way.