Section 3. Amphibious Assault Platforms

Section 3.

Amphibious Assault Platforms

1. 
   GENERAL INFORMATION A platform is the ship, craft, or vehicle used to get the amphibious forces to the AOA, to the beachhead and beyond. Also included in this chapter are those aircraft used support those operations and troops on the ground.
   

2. 
   Amphibious Ships and Craft Amphibious ships are those vessels that get the landing forces from their home ports and bases to the AOA, transport the landing craft, and provide air support in the form of ongoing airlift of troops and supplies and close air support. Landing craft take the landing forces and their supplies from the ship to the beachhead, and in many cases beyond.
   

1. 
   Amphibious Command Ship (LCC)/Joint Command Ship (JCC) The mission of the LCC/JCC is to serve as a command ship for the Joint Task Force (JTF), Amphibious Task Force (ATF), Landing Force (LF) and Air Control Group Commanders during joint amphibious operations. Only two of this class of ships has been built: The USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) the Seventh Fleet Flagship and the USS Mt Whitney (LCC-20), the Sixth Fleet Flagship. These ships were designed specifically for the command and control of an amphibious operation with extensive communications, electronics, and computer equipment. The LCC is configured primarily as a flagship. There are no provisions for carrying LF cargo other than the small equipment items and some of the vehicles which are organic to the embarked staffs.
   

Length overall: 636 feet

Beam: 107 feet

Draft: 29 feet

Displacement: 18,646 full load

Speed: 21 knots

Propulsion: Steam turbine with single shaft

Helo spots: 2

Helo stowage: Open deck space for one UH-1.

Organic boats:

Admiral's barge

3 - LCPL

Armament:

2 - RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile)

2 - CIWS (Close In Weapon System)

Hospital: Doctor attached to staff/Independent Duty Corpsman

Communication circuits available: Link 4A, Link 11, Link 14, Joint Maritime Command Information System (JMCIS 2.2), CTAPS, SHF - 12, UHF - 33, VHF - 15, HF – 18various SATCOM and more (EHF, POTS, INMARSAT, Video Teleconferencing, etc.)

2. 
   Amphibious Assault Ship (General Purpose) (LHA) The mission of the LHA is to embark, transport and land elements of the LF with their supplies and equipment by means of pre-embarked helicopters, landing craft and amphibious vehicles. Secondary: Refuel escorts, limited sea control with AV-8B aircraft, mine warfare with MH-53E helicopters and surface MCM/MCH platforms. The LHA combines the major characteristics of the attack cargo ship, the helicopter carrier and the amphibious transport dock into a single hull. The LHA’s flag complex is designed to support both MEU and PHIBRON staffs. There is an HFRG (High Frequency Radio Group), which is a single computer system that controls all HF communications (patching, tuning, selection of antennas). The first HFRG system was installed on USS SAIPAN (LHA-2). The LHA also has the Advanced Combat Direction System (ACDS), which is an advanced computer system to integrate weapons and sensors throughout Combat Information Center (CIC).
   

Overall length: 834 feet

Beam: 132 feet (106ft folded deck edge elevator)

Draft: 26 feet

Displacement: 40,000 tons

Speed: 24 knots

Propulsion: Steam turbine with twin shafts

Helo spots: 10 (7 port, 3 starboard)

Helo stowage: 26 CH-46D/E or 19 CH-53D

Organic boats: 4 - LCPL

Lift capacity:

Flag configured

Landing craft:

4 - LCU or 6 - LCM-8 or 45 AAV

1 LCAC FITS IN WELL DECK

Troop capacity: 1600 Enlisted/160 Officers

Notional load: 4 AH-1, 12 CH-46, 4 CH-53, 4 UH-1, 6 AV-8B, 4 LCU

Vehicles sq ft: 28,700

Cargo cu ft: 141,200

Armament:

2 - CIWS

2 - RAM

Communication circuits: UHF - 32, VHF - 16, HF - 30, SHF, EHF, ACDS

Aircraft Elevators (2), one elevator portside aft of the island and one aft above the stern gate.

Planning considerations. When planning operations using the LHA, many factors must be taken into account, including: Well deck operations vs. air operations in regard to distance of the ship from the shore, Wind envelopes of helicopters and harriers and Time to respot flight deck after a launch.. Planners also have to consider Aircraft weapons loading and HERO (Hazard of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance). When dealing with Harriers, space must be allocated in hanger for maintenance containers. The LHA is also a primary platform for special operations missions. Finally, the LHA is capable of operating as an emergency safe haven for 1 LCAC.

3. 
   Amphibious Assault Ship (Multi-Purpose) (LHD) The mission of the LHD is to embark, deploy, and land elements of a LF in an assault by helicopters, landing craft and amphibian vehicles as well as provide sea control and power projection ashore. Secondary missions include: Refueling escorts and mine warfare with MH-53 helicopters and surface MCM/MCH platforms. The LHD is able to conduct simultaneous vertical and surface assault while providing close air support to the forces ashore. Specifically designed to accommodate harriers and LCAC. CATF and CLF staffs are provided with a fully integrated command and control platform. Flag complex is configured to support both MEU and PHIBRON staffs.
   

Overall length: 844 feet

Beam: 140 feet (107 ft folded elevators)

Draft: 26 feet

Displacement: 40,500 tons

Speed: 22 knots

Propulsion: Steam turbine with twin shafts

Helo spots: 9 (6 port, 3 starboard)

Helo stowage: 42 CH-46

Fix Wing: 6-8 AV-8B Harriers

Fix Wing Secondary role: up to 20

Organic boats:

4 LCPLs;

1 RHIB

2 40ft Utility Boats

Lift capacity:

Flag configured

Landing craft: 3 LCAC or 2 LCU or 7 LCM-8 or 45 AAV (not normally carried)

Troop capacity: 1700 Enlisted/170 Officers

Notional load: 6 AV-8B, 4 CH-53, 12 CH-46, 4 AH-1, 4 UH-1, 3 LCACs

Vehicle sq ft: 20, 000

Cargo cu ft: 101,000

Aircraft Elevators (2): One starboard and aft of the island, the other is port midship.

Armament:

2 - Sea Sparrow Missile Launcher

2 - RAM

600 bed hospital (536 troop space overflow) with 6 operating rooms, 4 dental operating rooms, 2 emergency rooms.

Communication circuits available: UHF - 26, VHF - 13, HF - 30, EHF, SHF, ACDS
Planning Considerations. When planning operations using the LHD, many factors must be taken into account including: Well deck operations vs. air operations in regard to the distance of the ship from the shore, the wind envelope of embarked aircraft and time to re-spot the flight deck after a launch. Consideration must also be given to aircraft weapons loading and HERO and they have to be careful of the assignment of radio circuits to flight deck edge antennas because of reduced effectiveness of radios when antennas are lowered. The assault support system is capable of simultaneous horizontal and vertical flow of troops, cargo and vehicles from stowage areas to well deck and to flight deck. System utilizes 6 cargo elevators, well deck monorail and 2 aircraft elevators. Finally, the LHD is a primary platform for special operations.

4. 
   Amphibious Transport Dock (LPD) The primary mission of the LPD is to transport and land troops and their equipment and supplies by means of embarked landing craft and amphibious vehicles augmented by helicopter lift. A secondary mission is to refuel escorts.
   

Overall length: 570 feet

Beam: 84 feet

Draft: 23 feet

Displacement: 17,244 tons

Propulsion: Steam turbine with twin shafts

Speed: 21 knots

Helo spots: 2 (4 deck edge for UH-1, AH-1 helicopters)

Helo stowage: 1 CH-46 (telescoping hangar)

Organic boats:

3 LCPL

Motor whaleboat

Landing craft: 1 LCU or 4 LCM-8 or 20 AAV or 1 LCAC

Troop capacity: 840 enlisted, 70 officers

Notional load: 2 CH-46, 1 LCU, 15 AAVs

Vehicle sq ft: 13,800

Cargo cu ft: 48,700

Medical: 1 operating room with 10 bed recovery ward

Communication circuits available: UHF - 8, VHF - 11, HF – 8
Planning Considerations. When planning operations using the LPD, planners must remember that the ship can be used as an alternate platform for aircraft weapons loading (AH-1). Crane allows for weatherdeck stowage of boats and containers. The ship can be used in advance force operations, though PCS duties limit air and spec war operations. The ship can also carry up to 2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for reconnaissance. The ship is also a primary platform for Marine Rigid Raiding Craft (RRC) and Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC). Finally, with maintenance containers, the ship can operate 8 to 9 UH-1, AH-1, or SH-60 Helicopters.
San Antonio Class LPD -

5. 
   Dock Landing Ship (LSD) The mission of the LSD is to transport and land troops, equipment and supplies of the LF by means of embarked, pre-loaded landing craft and amphibian vehicles. A secondary mission is to refuel escorts and carry AA BFS. The LSD usually acts as an LCAC Control Ship (LCS) in an amphibious operation. It can submerge the well deck to enable landing craft and amphibious vehicles to swim in or out over the stern gate. LSD-36 class has the ability to ballast straight or wedge down (aft well deck deeper than forward). LSD-41 class can wedge ballast only. There are two classes of LSD: the Whidbey Island (LSD-41) Class of which 8 were built and the Harpers' Ferry (LSD-49) Class, of which 4 were built.
   

Beam: 84 feet

Draft: 21 feet

Speed: 22 knots

Displacement: 15,700 tons

Propulsion: 4 diesels with twin shafts

Helo spots: 2 (forward spot reserved for landing force equipment stowage)

Helo stowage: None

Organic boats:

2 – LCPL

Lift capacity

Landing craft: 4 LCAC or 3 LCU or 10 LCM-8 or 64 AAV. Can transport 5 LCACs with cargo ramp raised.

Embarked troops: 360 enlisted, 40 officer.

Vehicle sq ft: 12,500 sq ft

Notional load: 4 LCAC

Cargo cu ft: 5,000 cu ft

Armament:

2 – CIWS

2 – RAM

Medical: Independent Duty Corpsman

Communication circuits available: UHF - 8, VHF - 21, HF – 9
Planning considerations. The Whibley Island class can operate CH-53 and AV-8B, in emergency situations. The forward helicopter spot normally is used for cargo stowage. As for cargo handling equipment, the ship carries one 20 ton and one 60 ton crane. There is also a 15 ton bridge crane with two 7.5 ton hoists in well deck. There is a landing craft inhaul system, running the entire length of the well deck, which is utilized for LCAC and conventional landing craft wet well operations. There are Navy support elements embarked. This class of ship can be used in both advance force and special operations.
Harper’s Ferry Class

Overall length: 609 ft

Beam: 84 feet

Draft: 21 feet

Displacement: 16,700 tons

Speed: 21 knots

Propulsion: 4 diesels with twin shafts

Helo spots: 2 (forward spot reserved for LF equipment stowage)

Helo stowage: None

Organic boats:

2 – LCPL

1 – Utility Boat

Landing craft: 2 LCAC or 1 LCU or 4 LCM-8 or 25 AAV

Embarked troops: 360 enlisted, 40 officer

Vehicle sq ft: 20,200 sq ft

Notional load: 2 LCAC

Cargo cu ft: 67,600 cu ft

2 - CIWS

SSDS
Medical: Independent Duty Corpsman

Communication circuits available: UHF - 8, VHF - 21, HF – 9
Planning considerations The LHD can operate CH-53s and in emergency situations, they can operate AV-8s. The forward helicopter spot is normally used for cargo storage. To handle cargo, there is one 60 ton crane and one 15 ton bridge crane with 2 - 7.5 ton hoists in well deck The landing craft inhaul system, runs the entire length of the well deck, and is utilized for LCAC and conventional landing craft wet well operations. Navy support elements embarked. The Harper’s Ferry class is built on same hull as Whidbey Island class, but with extensive cargo stowage and a significantly shorter well deck.

6. 
   Status of Future Amphibious Ships. Amphibious Assault Ships LHA/LHD/LHA(R). Amphibious assault ships are the largest of all amphibious warfare ships and resemble a small aircraft carrier. These ships are capable of Vertical/Short Take Off and Landing (V/STOL), Short Take off Vertical Landing (STOVL), Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) tiltrotor and Rotary Wing (RW) aircraft operations. These ships also contain a welldeck to support use of Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) and other watercraft.
   

3. 
   CONTROL AND LANDING CRAFT. The movement of troops, supplies and equipment to the beach in an orderly manner, as set forth in the operations order, is a naval responsibility. In order for the navy to carry out this responsibility, there are two types of craft used; control craft and landing craft.
   

1. 
   Control Craft. The control craft assist the control ships. The organization responsible for the control craft is the Navy Control Group. The officers and control ships are designated by the CATF. The primary control craft used in an amphibious operation is the Landing Craft Personnel, Large or LCPL. The LARC is used for salvage operations as well as ferrying key personnel on the beach and through the surf zone.
   

1. 
   Landing Craft, Personnel, Large (LCPL). The LCPL is designated for use in amphibious control work such as the Boat Group Commander’s boat. Secondary functions of the LCPL in the amphibious assault include tender and light tow boat. The LCPL is organic to most amphibious ships.
   

Length: 36 feet

Beam: 12 feet

Draft: 3 feet 9 inches

Speed: 20 knots

Compass: Magnetic and gyrocompass

Radar: May have if a mission requirement (Marconi LN66)

Construction: Fiberglass

Hoisting weight: 19,300 lbs

Capacities:

Crew - 3

Troops - 17

Cargo - 2.5 tons
Planning Considerations. When planning operations using the LCPL, the following must be considered: these boats have limited cargo capacity. All LCPL’s are hoisted, using either a davit, boom or crane, they cannot swim out of the welldeck, and finally LCPLs do not have a beaching capability.

2. 
   Light Amphibious Resupply Craft - (LARC-V). The LARC is employed by Navy Beachmaster units as a salvage vehicle rather than in the cargo role implied by its name. The LARC can pump 250 gallons of water per minute for fire fighting or for dewatering. It is constructed of strengthened aluminum with removable side panels, which help in recovery and salvage operations. The LARC is a rubber tired vehicle with four wheel drive, plus single shaft and propeller for waterborne operations
   

Width: 10 feet

Weight:

Loaded - 31,000 lbs

Maximum speed:

Water - 9 knots

Land - 29.5 knots

Cargo capacity: 10,000 lbs

Crew: 2

2. 
   LANDING CRAFT. Landing craft are used to land equipment, vehicles, cargo and troops to the beach in an amphibious assault. The use of landing craft in amphibious assault dates from World War II. The craft are carried aboard amphibious assault ships to the objective area. Landing craft are capable of transporting tracked or wheeled vehicles and troops from amphibious assault ships to beachheads or piers. LCMs feature a bow ramp for onload and offload. LCU's have both bow and stern ramps for onload/offload at either end.
   

1. 
   Landing Craft, Utility (LCU). The mission of the LCU is to land heavy vehicles, equipment, and /or cargo on the beach in an amphibious assault. It has both a bow ramp and hinged stern gate permitting passage of vehicles 13 feet 6 inches or less in width. It may also be used in conjunction with other LCUs as a causeway section under ideal sea conditions.
   

Length: 135 feet

Beam: 29 feet

Draft: 3.5 feet fwd/6.3 feet aft

Weight: 200 tons

Speed: 11 knots (full load)

Capacities

Troops: 350

Cargo: 170 tons

Cargo compartment dimensions:

14 ft fwd to 25 ft aft

Length 121 ft

Ramp clearance:

Bow - 14 feet

Stern - 18 feet

Cargo handling

Via bow ramp

Via drive through stern gate

Via open deck for crane loading

2. 
   Landing Craft, Mechanized – LCM. The LCM is a smaller version of the LCU and only has a bow ramp. Landing craft are used by amphibious forces to transport equipment and troops to the shore.
   

Length: 73.7 feet

Beam: 21 feet

Weight: 105 tons

Speed: 12 kts

Capacity: 180 tons (182.89 metric tons)

Length: 56.2 feet (17.1 meters)

3. 
   Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) The mission of the LCAC is to deliver vehicles, equipment and cargo to the beach at high speed, possibly from over the horizon, in an amphibious operation.
   

General Characteristics

Beam: 47 feet

Draft: 2.9 feet (off cushion)

Speed: 35+ knots

75 tons of cargo - 1 M1A1 or 4 LAVs

185 troops (in module)

Planning Considerations. Although the LCAC is the fastest way to get personnel and material ashore, there are many considerations that must be taken into account when planning an operation involving their use. The LCAC is only steady sea state of 3 or less, preferably two. There must be at least 100 yards of separation between LCACs on the beach. There must be at least 20 minutes between waves. There must be separate beaches and approach lanes for LCACs and conventional craft. Most importantly, the LCAC is not designed to assault defended beaches.

4. 
   SPECIAL WARFARE CRAFT – Special operations forces are used to support amphibious operations in many ways. In order for these forces to carry out their missions, they need specialized craft to get them into the AOA. This section will detail some of these specialized craft.
   
   1. 
      Mark V Special Operations Craft. The Mark V is used to carry Special Operations Forces (SOF), primarily SEAL combat swimmers, into and out of operations where the threat to these forces is considered to be low to medium. They also support limited coastal patrol and interruption of enemy activities. The MARK V Special Operations Craft (SOC) is the newest, versatile, high performance combatant craft introduced into the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Special Boat Squadron (SBR) inventory to improve maritime special operations capabilities. MARK Vs are organized into detachments comprised of two boats, crews and a deployment support package mounted on cargo transporters. The detachment can be delivered in-theater rapidly by two C-5 aircraft, by a well or flight deck equipped surface ships and, if appropriate, under their own power. The detachment can be deployable within 48 hours of notification and ready for operations within 24 hours of arrival at a forward operating base. They can operate from shore facilities, from well-deck equipped ships or from ships with appropriate crane and deck space capabilities. The MARK Vs are a result of a streamlined acquisition effort managed by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Special Operations Acquisition Executive (SOAE). From the awarding of the contract t the actual possession of the first boat took only 18 months.
      

Length: 82 feet

2. 
   Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) The RHIB is a high-speed, high-buoyancy craft designed for service as standard ship's boat and for general purpose use. Many RHIBs have been converted for Special Warfare use, and the 11 Meter RHIB was purpose built as a Special Warfare Craft. The Naval Special Warfare RHIBs are extreme-weather craft with the primary mission of SEAL insertion/extraction. They can operate in heavy seas and winds of 45 knots, but for other than heavy-weather training, the Navy limits its use to somewhat milder sea conditions (wind speed is less than 34 knots). The RHIB carries a crew of three and a SEAL element.
   

Length: (inflated tube): 23 feet 9 in

Beam: (inflated tube): 10.5 feet

Draft: 22.5 in

Capacity: 1000 lbs

Construction:

Hull – fiberglass

Inflatable collar - hypalon/nylon with 7 compartments that can be mechanically detached from the hull

Speed: 25 kts

Troops: 18

Armament: Mounts for .50 Cal, Mk 19 40mm Grenade Launcher, or M-60.

General Characteristics (11 Meter RHIB)

Length: 35 feet 11 inches (11 meters) (Overall, inflated tube)

Beam: 10 feet 7 inches (3.2 meters) (sponson inflated); 8 feet 9 inches (2.6 meters) (deflated)

Weight: 17,400 lbs, (7,892 kilograms)

Draft: 2 feet 11 inches (0.9 meters)

Speed: 40+ knots (nautical miles per hour) (64 kilometers/hour)

Crew: 3 and a SEAL squad

Range: 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers)

Armament: M60 7.62mm machine gun, MK19 40mm, M2 .50 cal. machine gun

3. 
   Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC). The mission of the CRRC is to land small, lightly armed and equipped forces on undefended beaches to conduct raiding operations. These craft are also capable of use in clandestine insertions. Generally deployed aboard and LPD, the MEU (SOC) will deploy with a notional load of 18 CRRCs to support their missions.
   

Length: 16 ft 5 in

Beam: 6 ft 3 in

Draft: 22.5 in

Propulsion: 35, 50 or 65 horsepower outboard (or paddles)

Speed: 10 kts (motor), 2-3 knots paddles

Capacity:

troops - 8

cargo - 1000 lbs

5. 
   AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT VEHICLES.
   

1. 
   AAV 7 Series. The AAV7 series is an armored assault amphibious full tracked landing vehicle. The vehicle carries troops in water operations from ship to shore, through rough water and surf zone. It also carries troops to inland objectives after ashore. There are three variations of the AAV7 in use in the Marine Corps presently. The AAVC7A1 is a mobile command post designed to give the commander the basic communication capability of a static combat operations center. It carries extensive radio equipment and a crew to operate the equipment. The AAVR7A1 is a salvage and repair vehicle. It is capable of recovery of AAV or similar size craft and vehicles from the open ocean, surf, swamps, etc. It also provides the basic maintenance equipment necessary for first through third echelon maintenance and repair of the AAV family of vehicles in the field. The third variation is the AAVP7A1. It provides armor protected transportation for LF, their supporting equipment and supplies.
   

Weight:

Unloaded: 46,314 lbs

Crew: 3

Cargo capacity (AAVP and AAVR):

10,000 lbs

Fuel capacity: 171 Gallons

Cruising range

Land - 25 MPH/300 miles

Water - 6-8 knots/7 hours

Armament:

M-2 .50 cal machine gun, MK 19 40mm grenade launcher

Cargo compartment

Length: 13.5 feet

Width: 6 feet

Height: 5.5 feet

Volume: 462 cu ft

2. 
   EFV – The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is the replacement for the AAV series. The mission of the EFV is to provide high speed transport of LF from ships located over the horizon and to provide firepower to support other combat elements (in the water or on land).
   

Length: 34’ 4”

Crew: 3

Troops: 17

Cargo: 5,130 lbs (with troops)

Propulsion: Diesel with twin water jets

Speed: Water – 20-25 kts

Land – 45 mph

Range: Water – 65 nm

Land – 400 miles

Armament: 30mm Bushmaster

7.62mm machine gun

Armored Protection against:

14.5mm AP @ 300 meters
155/152mm Artillery Fragments @ 50 feet

6. Aircraft. Aircraft are used to provide combat support, transportation and ongoing supply operations to the beach and inland. Fixed rotary wing and tilt rotor aircraft are used in the amphibious operation.

1. UH-1N (HUEY) The UH-1 airframe is a highly versatile helicopter that has been around in one configuration or another since the Vietnam War. The UH-1N is used in transport, airborne battlefield command and control, troop insertion/extraction, fire support coordination, medical evacuation, search and rescue, armed escort/visual reconnaissance or utility roles throughout the Navy and Marine Corps.

Characteristics:

Speed: 130 knots

Range: 300 miles

Ceiling: 14,200 feet

Max takeoff weight: 10,500 lbs

Crew: 2 officers, 2 enlisted

Armament:

.50 caliber machine gun

Two 7-shot or 19 shot 2.75” rocket pods

2. 
   CH-46D/E (SEA KNIGHT) The CH-46 provides all-weather, day/night, and NVG assault transport of combat troops, supplies, and equipment during amphibious and subsequent operations ashore.
   

Characteristics:

Speed: 145 knots

Range: 132 nm

Ceiling: 10,000 feet

Max takeoff weight: 24,300 lbs

Crew: 2 officers, 2 enlisted

Payload: 12 troops with aerial gunners, maximum of 5000 lbs external load

3. 
   AH-1W (SUPER COBRA) Like the UH-1 airframe, the AH-1 has been around since the Vietnam era. The AH-1W is an armed tactical helicopter capable of helo close air support, low altitude and high speed flight, target search and acquisition, reconnaissance by fire, multiple weapons fire support, troop helicopter support, and point target for threatening armor.
   

Characteristics:

Speed: 147 knots

Range: 256 nm

Ceiling: 14,750 feet

Crew: 2 officers

Armament:

20mm machine gun (750 rounds)

2.75”/5.0” rockets

TOW missiles

Hellfire missiles

Sidewinder missiles

Sidearm missiles

Zuni and Hydra (70 missiles)

4. 
   CH-53E (SUPER STALLION) The CH-53 is another Vietnam era airframe that has been constantly updated and upgraded in order to continue in service with the fleet. The CH-52 is a used for heavy transport during ship-to-shore movement. With 3 engines, it is capable of lifting 16 tons and transporting it 50 nm and then returning before needing to refuel. It is also capable of transporting howitzers, LAVs and downed aircraft. It has been known to recover another CH-53E. This helicopter is also capable of in-flight refueling, making it highly versatile.
   

General Characteristics:

Speed: 150 knots

Range: 540 nm

Crew: 2 officers, 1 enlisted

Payload: 18 tons, 37 passengers (55 passengers w/ centerline seats installed)

5. 
   AV-8B (HARRIER) The AV-8B is a V/STOL platform designed to attack and destroy surface and air targets, to escort helicopters, and to conduct other such air operations as may be directed. Also to conduct CAS and DAS, offensive and defensive anti-air warfare and offensive missions against enemy SAM defenses.
   

General Characteristics:

Speed: 545 knots

Range: 900 nm (greater than 14 nm high speed/low altitude combat radius)

Crew: 1 officer

Armament:

Sidewinder Missiles

Maverick Missiles

25mm gun pod

Laser Guided Bombs

Cluster Bombs

General Purpose Bombs

6. 
   V-22 Osprey. The V-22 Osprey is a joint service, multi-mission aircraft with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability. It performs VTOL missions as effectively as a conventional helicopter while also having the long-range cruise abilities of a twin turboprop aircraft. The Marine Corps is the lead service in the development of the Osprey. The Marine Corps version, the MV-22A, will be an assault transport for troops, equipment and supplies, and will be capable of operating from ships or from expeditionary airfields ashore. The Navy's HV-22A will provide combat search and rescue, delivery and retrieval of special warfare teams along with fleet logistic support transport.
   

General Characteristics.

Main rotor diameter: 38 feet (11.58 meters)

Blades per rotor: Three
Weight: 60,500 lbs max gross weight
Ceiling: 25,000 feet (service ceiling)
Speed: 272 knots (cruise speed)
Armament: Provisions for two .50 caliber cabin guns

7. 
   SH-60B LAMPS Mk III (SEAHAWK) The SH-60 Seahawk is a twin-engine helicopter used for ASW, SAR, Drug Interdiction Ops, ASUW, Cargo lift, and special operations. The SH-60B is an airborne platform based aboard cruisers, destroyers and frigates and deploys sonobuoys and torpedoes in an ASW role. The also extend the range of the ship’s radar capabilities.
   

Characteristics:

Speed: 133 knots

Range / Endurance: 450 nm / 4hours

Ceiling: 13,000 feet

Crew: 2 officers, 1 enlisted

Armament:

Three external store stations for:

Two Mk-46/50 torpedoes

One Hellfire Missile

Can be fitted with guns or 2.75” rockets

Sensors:

LAMPS Mk III System (extends the ship’s horizon of engagement by 100 nm)

Radar

FLIR

ESM

Sonobuoys & Processors

High-speed data link (“Hawklink”)

7. 
   CRUISERS/DESTROYERS and SUBMARINES – Surface combatants and submarines act as escorts for the amphibious ships. They also provide antiair and antisubmarine warfare capabilities, intelligence gathering, special operations and shore bombardment missions as part of the Amphibious Force.
   

1. 
   TICONDEROGA CRUISER (CG) Ticonderoga class cruisers are capable of sustained combat operations in any combination of AAW, ASW, ASUW, STW environments. They are built to be employed in support of Carrier/Expeditionary/Surface Strike Groups, as well as interdiction and escort missions.
   

General Characteristics:

Speed: 30+ knots

Dimensions: Length-567 feet, Beam-55 feet, Draft-34 feet, Displacement-9600 tons full load

Engineering: Two Controllable Reversible Pitch propellers, 4 Gas Turbine Engines

Helos: 1 spot, 1 hangar for 2 SH-60B LAMPS Mk III

Crew: 33 officers, 367 enlisted

Weapons:

2 Mk 45 5”/54 cal Guns

2 Mk 41 VLS

Tomahawks

Standard Missiles

2 Harpoon Quad-canister launchers

2 Mk-32 Torpedo Tubes

2 Mk-15 CIWS

3 .50 cal Machine Guns

Sensors:

AN/SPY-1A (CG 47-58)

AN/SPY-1B (CG 59-73)

AN/SPS-49 Air Search Radar

AN/SPS-55 Surface Search Radar

AN/SQS-53A/B/C Hull Mounted Sonar

AN/SQR-19B Towed Array Sonar (TACTAS)

AN/SQQ-89(V) 6 ASW Combat System (ASWCS)

AN/SLQ-32A (V) 3 EW Suite

2. 
   ARLEIGH BURKE DESTROYER (DDG) Burke class guided missile destroyers were designed to operate in support of Carrier Battle Groups, Surface Action Groups, Amphibious Groups, and Replenishment Groups. Guided missile destroyers are multi-mission (ASW, AAW, ASUW, and STW) surface combatants.
   

General Characteristics:

Speed: 30+ knots

Dimensions: Length-505 feet (510), Beam-66 feet, Draft-31 feet, Displacement-8300 tons full load (9200)

Engineering: Two Controllable Reversible Pitch propellers, 4 Gas Turbine Engines

Helos: 1 spot, 2 hangars for SH-60B LAMPS Mk III (Flight IIA)

Crew: 23 officers (32), 300 enlisted (348)

Weapons:

1 Mk 45 5”/54 cal Gun

2 Mk 41 VLS

Tomahawks

Standard Missiles

2 Harpoon Quad-canister launchers

2 Mk-32 Torpedo Tubes

2 Mk-15 CIWS

3 .50 cal Machine Guns

Sensors:

AN/SPY-1D

AN/SPS-67 Surface Search Radar

AN/SQS-53C Hull Mounted Sonar

AN/SQR-19B Towed Array Sonar (TACTAS)

AN/SQQ-28(V) 6 LAMPS Mk III Shipboard Electronics

AN/SLQ-32A (V) 3 EW Suite

3. 
   FAST ATTACK SUBMARINE (SSN). Fast attack submarines provide numerous capabilities to the commander Amphibious Force. There are four classes of attack submarines in the Navy’s inventory.
   

4. 
   LOS ANGELES CLASS. Named after the USS Los Angles (SSN-688), the LA-Class submarines were specifically designed as ASW assets against Soviet submarines trying to sink the Carrier and ASUW assets against capital ships in the Soviet Surface Action Group. The LA-Class was designed almost exclusively for Carrier Battlegroup escort, although they carry out more varied missions today.
   

General Characteristics:

Speed: 20+ knots

Dimensions: Length-360 feet, Beam-33 feet

Engineering: Nuclear-powered, Steam-turbine, single propeller

Displacement: 6927 tons submerged

Crew: 13 officers, 116 enlisted

5. 
   SEAWOLF CLASS. The Seawolf-Class submarines were designed to operate autonomously against the world’s most capable submarine and surface threats. The primary mission of the Seawolf was to destroy Soviet ballistic missile submarines before they could attack American targets. Seawolf submarines are also suited for battlespace-preparation roles and are capable of integrating into a battle group’s infrastructure, or shifting rapidly into a land-battle support role. The USS Seawolf (SSN-21) makes up the entire class.
   

General Characteristics:

Speed: 20+ knots

Dimensions: Length-353 feet, Beam-40 feet

Engineering: Nuclear-powered, Steam-turbine, single propeller

Displacement: 9137 tons submerged

Crew: 12 officers, 121 enlisted

Armament:

8 torpedo tubes

50 tube Launch Weapons

6. 
   JIMMY CARTER (SSN-23) Named after the former president of the United States and submariner, the USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) is a modified Seawolf-Class submarine. It was chosen to serve as a test bed for studying the evolution of submarine missions in the 21^st century. It will support classified research, development, test, and evaluation efforts for notional naval special warfare missions, tactical undersea surveillance, and undersea warfare concepts. Differentiating the Jimmy Carter from all other undersea vessels is its Multi-Mission Platform, which includes a 100-foot hull extension that enhances payload capability, enabling it to accommodate advanced technology required to develop and test an entirely new generation of weapons, sensors and undersea vehicles.
   

Characteristics:

Speed: 20+ knots

Dimensions: Length-353 feet, Beam-40 feet

Engineering: Nuclear-powered, Steam-turbine, single propeller

Displacement: 12,151 tons submerged (double hull)

Crew: 12 officers, 121 enlisted

Armament:

8 torpedo tubes

50 tube Launch Weapons

7. 
   VIRGINIA CLASS A more cost-effective follow-on to the Seawolf-class the USS Virginia (SSN-774) and follow on boats of the class are designed for battlespace dominance across a broad spectrum of regional and littoral missions as well as open-ocean, “blue water” missions. The missions of the Virginia-Class include Covert Strike Warfare, ASW, Covert Intelligence Collection/Surveillance, Covert Indication and Warning and Electronic Warfare, ASUW, Special Warfare, Covert Mine Warfare, and Battle Group Support. The Virginia is designed for multi-mission operations and enhanced operational flexibility. The Virginia is slower than the Seawolf, carries fewer weapons, and is less capable in diving depth and arctic operations, but is expected to be as quiet as the Seawolf, will incorporate a VLS and have improved surveillance as well as special operations characteristics to enhance littoral warfare capability.
   

General Characteristics:

Speed: 20+ knots

Dimensions: Length-377 feet, Beam-34 feet

Engineering: Nuclear-powered, Steam-turbine, single propeller

Displacement: 7800 tons submerged (double hull)

Crew: 13 officers, 100 enlisted

Armament:

4 torpedo tubes

12 VLS tubes

Tomahawks

Advanced Mobile Mines

Unmanned Undersea Vehicles

Dry Deck Shelter & Advanced SEAL Delivery System

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