Landing ships infantry and stern-chute conversions could not carry enough craft for rapid assaults at global distances. Landing ships gantry answered that problem with double-sided cranes like those used at container terminals, allowing craft to be handled on either side and discharged in about thirty-five minutes. Dale-class Royal Fleet Auxiliary oilers supplied hulls with the required endurance. They retained some ability to replenish other ships, but accommodation for landing-craft crews and troops steadily reduced their oil capacity. The design balanced the number of craft carried, handling speed, personnel space, and fleet support.
Chapter · 10:19-12:49
Landing ship gantries provide long-range landing-craft lift
How the limits of stern-chute ships led to long-range gantry conversions of Dale-class RFA oilers that could launch their craft in about thirty-five minutes.