An F-35B can refuel in the air but must land to receive new weapons. An LHD with a ski ramp, fuel, and limited magazines could therefore serve as a forward rearming deck for combat air patrols and strike aircraft based on the more distant carrier. The arrangement extends sortie usefulness while keeping the principal carrier outside the highest-risk littoral zone.
Notable Point · 3:42:05-3:43:08
LHDs as forward F-35B rearming points
A future-LHD concept uses the amphibious ship to rearm carrier aircraft close to shore while the fleet carrier remains farther from danger.