Largest Landing Helicopter Dock Ship In the World

Описание: The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship is a class of eight large-deck multipurpose amphibious assault ships operated by the United States Navy. Based on the Tarawa class, with modifications to operate more advanced aircraft and landing craft, the Wasp class is capable of transporting almost the full strength of a United States Marine Corps Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and landing them in hostile territory via landing craft or helicopters as well as providing air support via AV-8B Harrier II attack aircraft or F-35B Lightning II stealth strike-fighters.

The Wasp-class ships are 843 feet (257 m) long, have a beam of 104 feet (31.8 m), and a draft of 27 feet (8.1 m). They have a displacement of 40,500 long tons (41,150 t) at full load. The ships are powered by two steam turbines, which drive two propeller shafts. This gives the ships a top speed of 22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph). The ships have a range of 9,500 nautical miles (17,600 km; 10,900 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph).

The Wasp-class ships are armed with two Sea Sparrow missile systems, two Rolling Airframe Missile systems, two Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems, and three 25mm machine guns. The ships also have a well deck that can accommodate up to 12 landing craft air cushion (LCAC) or two amphibious assault vehicles (AAV). The ships can also carry up to 20 helicopters, including AV-8B Harrier II attack aircraft, CH-46 Sea Knight transport helicopters, and CH-53E Super Stallion heavy lift helicopters.

The Wasp-class ships have been deployed in a variety of operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ships have also been used in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, such as the response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

The Wasp-class ships are considered to be one of the most versatile and capable amphibious assault ships in the world. They are able to support a wide range of missions, from combat operations to humanitarian assistance. The ships are also well-equipped to operate in a variety of environments, from the open ocean to the littoral zone.

The Wasp-class ships are expected to remain in service with the United States Navy for many years to come. They are a critical component of the Navy's amphibious warfare fleet and will continue to play an important role in U.S. military operations around the world.