An expeditionary fleet usually needs an aviation capital ship, either an aircraft carrier or a landing helicopter dock (LHD). LHDs carry helicopters, and some have operated Harriers or can carry F-35Bs. Proposals including Chinese work would add catapults for drones, although their practical results remain uncertain. The requirement to dock down influences an LHD hull and limits the speed available for aircraft operations. New launch equipment must therefore work within the ship's existing operating characteristics. Even the large American carrier and LHD fleets are considered insufficient for all their assigned missions.
Notable Point · 45:25-46:30
Aviation ships support expeditionary fleets
Carriers and landing helicopter docks support expeditionary operations, with amphibious hull requirements constraining aircraft operations.