Amphibious Ships
The Future
San Antonio Class ships are a combination of everything learned about amphibious ships over the last 100 years. These highly reliable ships are completely warfare-capable and have state-of-the-art defense capabilities that make them the most survivable amphibious ships ever put to sea. Besides its increased maneuverability and increased cargo and troop carrying capabilities, it also has a larger well deck to house and launch LCACs, and other amphibious assault vehicles. The flight deck is also larger to accommodate a wide variety of flying craft. Even the living conditions have been improved. From air conditioning to added room in sleeping areas, to a fitness center, learning center and even stores where Sailors and Marines can acquire any supplies or creature comforts they may need.
Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV or “Triple AV”)
The AAAV is touted as one of the most capable all-around weapon systems in the world. With a cargo capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, this vehicle can travel up to 25 knots in the water and up to 30 m.p.h. on land, keeping up with our most agile and mobile tanks, the M1 Main Battle Tank. The AAAV is the assault vehicle that will completely revolutionize all areas of amphibious assault operations in the next century.
Submersible Well Decks
A giant technological leap forward came with the innovative submersible well deck. The well deck is the area of the ship that is flooded in a controlled manner to allow landing craft and other assault vehicles to float in and out of the ship. The ship never has to go into port to discharge landing craft and all assault operations can happen out at sea.
This controlled flooding occurs by the ship lowering her aft end about 30 feet into the water. The well deck then fills with water, allowing landing craft, assault vehicles and other small boats to launch and return. The troops, along with their equipment and supplies, can actually launch from within the ship. No ropes, no ladders.
