Amphibious Assault Ship
An amphibious assault ship (also referred to as a commando carrier or an amphibious assault carrier) is a type of amphibious warfare ship employed to land and support ground forces on enemy territory by an amphibious assault. The design evolved from the helicopter carrier, but includes support for amphibious landing craft, with most designs including a well deck.
The role of the amphibious assault ship is fundamentally different from a standard aircraft carrier: its aviation facilities have the primary role of hosting helicopters to support forces ashore rather than to support strike aircraft. However, they are capable of serving in the sea-control role, embarking aircraft like Harrier fighters and ASW helicopters. Most of these ships can also carry or support landing craft, such as air-cushioned landing craft (hovercraft) or LCUs.
The term amphibious assault ship is used interchangeably with the more-general term amphibious warfare ship such as:
LPH - Landing Platform Helicopter
LHA - Landing Helicopter Assault
LHD - Landing Helicopter Dock
LPD - Landing Platform Dock
LSD - Landing Ship Dock
The role of the amphibious assault ship is fundamentally different from a standard aircraft carrier: its aviation facilities have the primary role of hosting helicopters to support forces ashore rather than to support strike aircraft. However, they are capable of serving in the sea-control role, embarking aircraft like Harrier fighters and ASW helicopters. Most of these ships can also carry or support landing craft, such as air-cushioned landing craft (hovercraft) or LCUs.
The term amphibious assault ship is used interchangeably with the more-general term amphibious warfare ship such as:
LPH - Landing Platform Helicopter
LHA - Landing Helicopter Assault
LHD - Landing Helicopter Dock
LPD - Landing Platform Dock
LSD - Landing Ship Dock