Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:31:21-2:31:51

Amphibious ship design also determines who can crew it

Canberra-class LHDs are full warships suited to replacing Albion and Bulwark, while Bay-class auxiliaries fill a different amphibious support role with RFA crews.

Amphibious WarfareBay Class Landing ShipsCanberra Class Landing Helicopter DocksRoyal Fleet Auxiliary
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Question

Could Canberra-class LHDs replace Bay-class ships and be crewed by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in peacetime?

Short answer

No. Canberra-class ships are full warships and closer replacements for Albion and Bulwark, while the RFA-crewed Bay class should remain as complementary amphibious lift.

Notes

A Canberra-class LHD would be more than a larger Bay-class auxiliary. The Canberra design is a full warship requiring a naval crew and is closer to a replacement for Albion and Bulwark. An RFA-crewed Bay-class landing ship provides a different kind of capacity alongside combatants. The later answer argues that Britain should have retained at least four Bay-class ships instead of reducing the force after transferring one to Australia.