Landing helicopter dock

In today's article we are going to explore the fascinating world of Landing helicopter dock. From its origins to its impact on today's society, we will delve into all aspects related to Landing helicopter dock. We will analyze its evolution over time, its practical applications, and how it has influenced different areas of human life. Additionally, we will examine the latest research and discoveries related to Landing helicopter dock, as well as opinions from experts in the field. Get ready to embark on a journey of knowledge and discovery about Landing helicopter dock. Do not miss it!

French ship Dixmude (L9015) in Jounieh bay, Lebanon 2012
HMAS Canberra, a Canberra-class landing helicopter dock from the Royal Australian Navy
USS Essex performing a stern gate mating with a landing craft

A landing helicopter dock (LHD) is a multipurpose amphibious assault ship which is capable of operating helicopters and has a well deck. The United States Navy (USN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) use the term as a hull classification symbol.

LHD vessels are built with a full flight deck similar in appearance to an aircraft carrier to operate utility and attack helicopters. Some can also operate tilt rotor aircraft such as the MV-22 Osprey and VSTOL aircraft such as the AV-8 Harrier and the F-35B Lightning II. Examples of this kind of ship include the USN's Wasp class, French Navy's Mistral class and ships of the Spanish Navy's Juan Carlos I class including those designs based on the class, such as the Royal Australian Navy's Canberra class. Other nations also use the designation for their vessels, such as the Republic of Korea Navy for its Dokdo class.

The Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) USN warship classes both precede and follow the ships classed LHD. Most LHAs also have well decks of a comparable size to LHDs, with the exception of the first two America-class ships (LHA-6 and LHA-7) which lack the well deck entirely, taking the space for larger aviation facilities. However, LHA-8 will feature a well deck, returning the terms to their more interchangeable state.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Petty, Dan. "Fact File: Amphibious Assault Ships - LHA/LHD/LHA(R)". U.S. Navy. Archived from the original on March 28, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  2. ^ "Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD)". Royal Australian Navy. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  3. ^ "The Dokdo Class: an LHD for the ROK". Defense Industry Daily. July 5, 2007. Retrieved August 20, 2015.