A larger pool of adaptable support hulls could replace several tiny specialist fleets. A heavy-lift system could support carrier replenishment, while a well deck could replace Bay-class landing capacity at the cost of internal space. The same basic design might also cover the aviation-support role of RFA Argus, the repair work associated with RFA Diligence, and hospital or littoral-strike duties. An RFA-crewed common hull could cover these functions if the fleet bought enough ships for simultaneous deployments and refits.
Chapter · 2:21:42-2:23:15
What a multi-role support ship could replace
A common RFA support hull could cover carrier sustainment, Bay-class landing support, hospital work, and littoral-strike missions if its design accepts the tradeoffs between those roles.