The Wasp-class was intended to smaller and cheaper copies of the Tarawa-class LPH, needless to say, the Wasps ended up being the largest amphibious ships in the world.
Major differences between the classes are the Wasp has:
1. Increases Harrier support capability.
2. Movement of the stern elevator to the starboard side of the flight deck.
3. Redesign of the docking well to support 3 LCACs.
4. Less vehicle storage space, 22,000 square feet vs. 33,000 square feet.
5. Less bulk cargo storage space, 101,000 cubic feet vs. 110,000 square feet.
6. Modification for better anti-aircraft defence.
7. Extensive medical facilities, double in size with six operating rooms and room for 600 bed patients.
The Wasp is designed to support MAF/MAB operations. The Wasp will be better as to support VTOL operations in spite of its lack of a ski jump, her larger flight deck is considered sufficiently large enough to operate rolling takeoffs for heavily laden aircraft.
The stern docking well of a Wasp-class can accommodate 3 LCAC or 4 LCU or 2 LCU and 3 LCM-8s or 17 LCM-6s or 45 LVTP-7. In addition 34 LVTP-7s can be carried on the third deck.
The Wasps are intended to replace the Tarawas starting with the commissioning of the sixth ship in mid-1996.
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The reason that the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices chaos on a daily basis.
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