Helicopter carrier

Helicopter carriers are warships with a mostly integrated flight deck for helicopters. Generally a distinction is made between helicopter makers with internal floating dock ( LHD) and with external loading ramps ( LPH ). The central element of each carrier is located under the deck hangar where the helicopter can be serviced and repaired. In contrast to CTOL aircraft carriers helicopter carriers are much smaller, but can reach the size of STOVL aircraft carriers, which they often are similar in their basic design.

Helicopter carriers are generally used in the context of amphibious warfare as landing ships. These soldiers are brought ashore in landing operations not only by helicopter, but also with landing craft. These are loaded with LHDs in internal floating docks and ramps at LPHS at the rear or on the side. The ships also have facilities to carry large amounts of landing troops. The support of the United States and Great Britain also feature fully equipped command centers from which large operations can be conducted. In addition, helicopter carriers are also used for antisubmarine warfare ( eg, Japanese Hyūga class).

Some helicopter carrier also lead to a limited number of STOVL fighter aircraft, but it will be is a secondary function. Conversely, many navies organize their STOVL aircraft carriers to a secondary role as a helicopter carrier. Crucial to the official classification, however, in both cases is always the primary task of the ship.

Examples

• HMS Ocean, United Kingdom
• USS Wasp, USA
• Juan Carlos I, Spain
• Mistral class, France
• Hyūga class, Japan
• Dokdo - class, South Korea
• Izumo - class, Japan