The Effect of Shipboard Design Decisions in Amphibious Warfare
2012
Poniatoski, Jessica L
Recently, a major decision was made by the Navy to eliminate a key capability from the future ship of the amphibious fleet. The removal of the well deck from the future LHA (R) amphibious assault ship is attempting to change the way the Navy and Marine Corps have conducted amphibious operations over the past several decades. This thesis will develop equations to quantitatively analyze the lift capabilities associated with changing the design in the LHA (R) class of amphibious assault ships, and determine how this change will affect future naval amphibious capabilities. A comparative analysis of the tradeoffs, capabilities, and limitations associated with and without having a well deck was completed to determine the most effective means for the Navy to operate in either design mode. By comparing data on the MV-22 Osprey and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (e.g., lift capabilities and ranges) with data on various landing craft (i.e., Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCACs), Landing Craft Utility (LCUs), and Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs)), the thesis will determine the effects of the design change on future mission capabilities of the Navy and Marine Corps. The primary research question is as follows: How will losing the well deck capability in the newly designed LHA (R) America class vessel affect operational mentality and mission capability in amphibious warfare? Secondary questions the thesis will answer are as follows: How are design decisions made in the Department of Defense, and why was such a critical capability eliminated in the future amphibious assault ship?
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