Same size but different | Is an Amphibious Assault Ship an Aircraft Carrier?

#BeyondExplained

Is an amphibious assault ship the same as an aircraft carrier? This question may leave some scratching their heads, while others, particularly military enthusiasts, might already be formulating their arguments. Today, we dive into the heart of this fascinating debate, comparing and contrasting these two naval titans, the amphibious assault ship and the aircraft carrier. First, it's essential to understand what each of these ships is and the roles they play within a naval fleet.

An amphibious assault ship often referred to as a big deck amphibious, which is designed to launch and support ground forces in amphibious assaults. This means it carries a mix of helicopters, hovercraft landing craft and Marines. It's a floating base that brings the battle to the enemy's shores. On the other hand, an aircraft carrier is a warship that serves as a seagoing air base.

It's equipped with a full length flight deck and facilities for carrying, arming, deploying and recovering aircraft. The primary function of an aircraft carrier is power projection, air superiority and maintaining aerial blockade. Now, let's delve into the similarities between these two vessels. Both ships are among the largest in a naval fleet and are capable of carrying and launching aircraft.

They both serve as floating cities, housing thousands of crew members, and both have the ability to project force, albeit in different ways. Yet, despite these similarities, there are significant differences. While both can launch aircraft, the types of aircraft they carry and their capacities are different. Aircraft carriers carry more fixed wing aircraft like fighter jets, whereas amphibious assault ships primarily carry helicopters and tilt rotor aircraft like the MV-22 Osprey, which are more suitable for transporting troops and equipment to shore.

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[donbrunodelamancha]

They are also NOWHERE near the same size! The length of a Nimitz Class Carrier is 1, 092 ft with a beam of 252 ft, 106, 100 tons displacement fully loaded, Crew of 5, 200 including airwing; a Gerald Ford Class Carrier is 1, 106 ft with a beam of 256 ft, 100, 000+ tons displacement fully loaded, Crew of 4, 297 I cling air wing and can embark 2, 600 more marines; and the biggest Amphibious Assault Ship, America Class is 855 ft with a beam of 106 ft, 44, 971 tons displacement fully loaded, crew of Crew: 1, 059 & 1, 687 Marines, max speed 20+ knots.

[michaelmappin]

That shot of USS America is crazy. The aircraft parked on the bow are parked conventional (nose facing forward and inboard). Every ship I've been on since 1986 reverses the 1-row and 4-row (taxi up to the bow and back down, so the nose is facing aft and inboard). Reversing makes it easier to start and go from where they're parked. The only way to unpack that mess there is with a ton of tractor towing.

[joehayward]

This is long ago, Hattie was having some issues.the Army needed to send there Attack & transport helicopters there. Marines already on there way. Marines helped army to use a AIRCRAFT CARRIER to move them to Hattie.

[fullcontactkarate]

The amphibious assault ships is t the same size for sure. They’re huge yes they are. Even our amphibious assault ships are bigger the. Most countries air craft carriers but our air craft carriers are massive about like the twin towers in size

[MrBostonrobb]

They are not the same size and they serve different purposes.

[stevie]

The old arguement again....
Yes, the Amphibious Assault ships are carriers. Yes, they are different from Nimitz/Ford, and what were once referred to as "fleet" type carriers, but that doesn't negate the fact that they're an amphibious assault CARRIER. Their aircraft complement is greater than that of many other nations "carriers".

[joehayward]

The Navy/Marines have made one AMERICA class to fit more F35b as a Light carrier. I think??? Only one more is going to be the same as ligh F35b carrier. The well deck removed so more F35b, fuel, parts and jet crew. The otthers will keep their wel. Deck. Its a good idea, not every time Navy does not need a super carrier. Im no expert but i would rather loose Light carrier than a super carrier. Especially around all of the islands near China

[Wised]

It carries launches and recovers fixed winged aircraft.... ERGO....🙄