Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:54:27-1:55:16

Using LHDs beside the Queen Elizabeth class

LHDs could serve as flexible support ships, reinforcing carrier aviation while replacing older amphibious roles.

Aircraft CarriersAmphibious WarfareLHDQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft CarriersRoyal Navy
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Question

Could LHDs supplement the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and replace older amphibious ships?

Short answer

Yes: he sees them as aviation-capable backups as well as flexible successors for several older fleet and amphibious functions.

Notes

He suggests that two or three LHDs, if fitted with ski-jump flight decks, could back up the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers for aviation operations. In other circumstances they could cover amphibious and fleet roles associated with Argus, Albion, and Bulwark. He separates this concept from the dedicated hospital-ship capability he would also like to see.