Why Does US Navy Have Two Types of Aircraft Carriers?
Not What You Think・10 minutes read
The US Navy operates both supercarriers and Amphibious Assault Ships like LHDs, each serving different purposes in projecting airpower and land forces, with supercarriers focusing on air dominance and LHDs on quick reaction missions with VTOL aircraft and Marine units. These vessels rarely operate together, with supercarriers acting as fleet command centers and LHDs as floating Marine bases, chosen based on cost and operational requirements.
Insights
- Supercarriers like the Nimitz or Ford-class carriers function as floating airports, launching heavier fixed-wing aircraft for air dominance missions, while LHDs are better suited for quick reaction missions with VTOL aircraft and deploying Marine forces efficiently.
- The US Navy strategically deploys both supercarriers and LHDs to project airpower and land forces, selecting the appropriate vessel based on cost-effectiveness and operational requirements rather than utilizing them in tandem due to their distinct capabilities and roles within naval operations.
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Recent questions
What are Amphibious Assault Ships?
They are ships designated as LHD or LHA, focusing on vertical take-off and landing aircraft like the F-35B and helicopters.
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Summary
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US Navy's Aircraft Carriers vs Amphibious Assault Ships
- The US Navy has 11 aircraft carriers, but also has nine Amphibious Assault Ships that serve a similar purpose.
- Amphibious Assault Ships are designated as LHD or LHA, focusing on vertical take-off and landing aircraft like the F-35B and helicopters.
- Supercarriers like Nimitz or Ford-class carriers are like floating airports, launching heavier fixed-wing aircraft for air dominance and support missions.
- The volume difference between supercarriers and LHDs impacts their efficiency in water due to the square-cube law, affecting fuel efficiency and mission duration.
- Supercarriers can carry significantly more ordnance than LHDs, allowing for longer continuous operations without restocking.
- LHDs are more suited for quick reaction missions with VTOL aircraft and well decks for deploying forces above and below the deck.
- LHDs primarily transport and support Marine Expeditionary Units, acting as a floating Marine base rather than a traditional airport.
- Supercarriers and LHDs rarely operate together, with supercarriers functioning as fleet command centers and LHDs focusing on transporting Marine units.
- The US Navy uses both supercarriers and LHDs to project airpower and land forces respectively, choosing the right tool for the job based on cost and operational needs.
