Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:20:42-1:21:22

A ski jump could expose the carrier-cost debate

The missing ski jump reflects procurement and force-structure politics rather than a lack of technical precedent.

America Class Amphibious Assault ShipsF-35BSki JumpsUS Navy Procurement
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Question

Why do US amphibious assault ships operating STOVL aircraft not use ski jumps?

Short answer

Institutional and congressional politics may matter because a successful cheaper ski-jump carrier would invite comparisons with the much more expensive supercarrier force.

Notes

The United States has experience with ski-jump concepts and could fit one when required. A suggested explanation for omitting the ramp is political and institutional: adding it to an amphibious assault ship would make the carrier role more visible. Congress might then ask why a ship able to launch F-35Bs costs so much less than a Ford-class carrier. Plans may also exist for rapid wartime installation even when a ramp is omitted in peacetime.