[skeeter]

Its capabilities are impressive, but I’m surprised at the relative slow speed of this class. Are they not expected to operate with the rest of the fleet?

[Jeff Head]

All the large amphibs are that way, as are the LPD (San Anotnio Class)...they chug along at 20-22 or so knots.

Can't keep up with the fast carriers and their escorts...but they get the job done.

Also,unlike the Wasp Class ships (of which there are eight) these do not have a well deck so the LCACs and Landing Craft cannot dock inside there. They will be dependent on Air Assault when working by themselves.

It's likely in any big operation you would have one or two San Antonios Class LPDs which do have a well deck, and maybe a Wasp with them for assaults.

[houeto]

Its capabilities are impressive, but I’m surprised at the relative slow speed of this class.

You are not going to get me to believe that it is slow. Not with that hull design. I think they just aren't telling us everything.

[GGpaX4DumpedTea]

Designation: LHA(R)
Displacement: 45,000 t
Length: 844 feet (257.3 meters)
Beam: 106 feet (32.3 meters)
Elevators: 2
Speed: 24 knots
Propulsion:
- 2 x GE LM 2500+ gas turbines
- 2 x shafts
Crew: - 1060 crew
- 1700 Troops
Aircraft (Normal):
- 8 F-35B JSF
- 12 MV-22 Osprey
- 4 CH-53K Chinook
- 4 MH60 Nighthawk
- 4 AH-1W Supercobra
Aircraft (Sea Control):
- 20 F-35B JSF
- 4 SH-60 SeaHawk
- 4 Other helo/vtol
Armament:
- 2 x RAM (42 missiles)
- 2 x ESSM (16 missiles)
- 2 x 20mm CIWS
- 3 × 25 mm Mk 38 cannons
- 6 x .50 cal MGs
Ships in class: 1

The LHA(R) America Class will bes the largest amphibious assault vessels ever built. Displacing over 45,000 tons when fully loaded, the vessels are larger than most other nations aircraft carriers, which they closely resemble. These amphibious warships are uniquely designed to support the US Marines Aviation Combat Element (ACE) philosophy including assault from the sea against defended positions ashore and Sea Control Air operations using enhanced numbers of strike fighters.

This ship is powered by two gas turbine engines. This is not a nuclear powered aircraft carrier and in no way could match the speed of the larger nuclear powered carriers such as the Enterprise. The Enterprise is advertised as a 30+ knot top speed carrier, but there is evidence that it is about double that.