The proposed fleet combines a littoral-strike concept with the eventual replacement of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark: three 45,000- to 50,000-ton landing helicopter docks with ski jumps. Combined with the two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, this would create five compatible flight decks and three large well docks. The fleet could keep one deck ready for strike operations and another for amphibious aviation while retaining at least one dock for moving heavy equipment ashore. Additional available decks and docks would provide surge capacity for aircraft, helicopters, equipment, or a larger amphibious operation. This proposal establishes why medium powers need several graduated options rather than relying on a carrier group for every crisis.
Chapter · 20:22-21:47
A five-flight-deck fleet for strike and amphibious operations
Hear the proposed fleet logic for combining three ski-jump LHDs with Britain's carriers to keep both strike aviation and amphibious lift available.