// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
LHD
An LHD, or Landing Helicopter Dock, is a large amphibious assault ship designed to transport, deploy, and support a Marine expeditionary unit with its helicopters, landing craft, and troops for combat operations or humanitarian missions. It often functions like a small aircraft carrier.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
LHD, a US Navy hull classification symbol, denotes a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship designed for sea control and power projection, capable of operating rotary-wing aircraft, V/STOL jets (e.g., F-35B), and landing craft (e.g., LCAC) to deploy and support Marine Expeditionary Units in expeditionary warfare and amphibious operations.
BACKGROUND
List of active ships of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is a list of ships in active service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Amphibious assault ship
- Helicopter dock
- Amphibious flagship
- Landing platform helicopter (LPH)
- Multi-purpose amphibious ship
USAGE NOTE
LHDs are critical assets for projecting naval power, conducting amphibious landings, and serving as command and control centers for naval task forces.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to LHD.
The largest military shipbuilder in the United States, HII is the sole designer and builder of large-deck amphibious assault ships (LHDs/LHAs) for the U.S. Navy, including the America-class and Wasp-class.
As the U.S. Navy's largest of five system commands, NAVSEA is responsible for the acquisition, design, construction, outfitting, and maintenance of the Navy's fleet, including LHD programs.
Provides advanced combat systems, radar technologies (e.g., AN/SPY-6), electronic warfare systems, and integrated ship systems that are crucial components for LHDs and other large naval vessels.
Develops and supplies a wide range of systems for naval platforms, including advanced radar systems (e.g., EASR), missile defense systems (e.g., RAM), electronic warfare, and sonar for LHDs.
A global defense company providing advanced naval gun systems, combat management systems, navigation systems, and other critical technologies integrated into large amphibious assault ships.
A Spanish state-owned shipbuilding company that designs and builds LHD-type vessels for international navies, including the Juan Carlos I class, which serves as the basis for similar ships in Australia and Turkey.
A French industrial group specializing in naval defense, known for designing and building large amphibious assault ships such as the Mistral-class, which are functionally similar to LHDs.
An Italian shipbuilding company that constructs large naval vessels, including LHD-type amphibious assault ships for the Italian Navy, such as the Trieste (LHD-L).