Multimission Ship Design for an Alternative Fleet Concept

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe design of a battle force as a total system, rather than isolated designs of individual ships, can achieve significant improvements in military effectiveness and affordability. It is a momentous decision to alter the battle force architecture of a navy; usually a change occurs only after the opening gambits of a major war have demonstrated the inadequacies of the old battle force architecture. However, the question of battle force architecture must be raised now, after forty‐five years of relative peace and cold war, at a time when the role of the navy and military is being questioned. If the decision is made to change the surface battle force structure of the U.S. Navy, the conversion will be a lengthy process that should commence with the next vessels to enter preliminary design. This paper presents a summary of one envisionment of an alternative battle force, and focuses on a 35,000‐ton Carrier Dock Multimission ship with increased commonality between variants for amphibious assault, combat logistics, aviation support and deplorable vehicle support.