Q&A ยท 51:48-52:37

Why a well deck would compromise Invincible

Adding a vehicle well deck while preserving Invincible's speed and air group turns a carrier into a much larger and more complex LHD.

Question

How much larger would Invincible need to be to add a well deck for vehicles while retaining a similar air group?

Short answer

Roughly 15,000-20,000 tons larger, with major penalties in speed, weight, and complexity.

Notes

An LHD can support aviation, while a primary carrier suffers when burdened with amphibious features. A well deck adds volume, weight, structural complexity, and arrangements that work against speed and aviation efficiency. Preserving the original air group and naval fit could require another fifteen to twenty thousand tons. America-class dimensions illustrate how quickly the hybrid requirement grows beyond the Invincible concept.