Pacific distances make missile magazine depth a design problem

One interpretation of the American Defiant battleship proposal treats it as another version of the longstanding strike-cruiser or large-surface-combatant concept. Operations across the Pacific would place such ships far from dependable replenishment facilities. At-sea vertical-launch-system reloading has been tested, but the assessment here is that cost and reliability still prevent widespread implementation. A ship therefore needs enough ready missiles to remain useful before returning to support. VLS also encourages successive additions to frigate capability, which can erase the original saving that made a smaller escort attractive.