Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD)

An Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD) is a type of amphibious warfare ship employed to land and support ground forces on enemy territory by an amphibious assault. The design evolved from the helicopter carrier, but includes support for amphibious landing craft, with most designs including a well deck.

The role of the Amphibious Assault Ship is fundamentally different from a standard aircraft carrier: its aviation facilities have the primary role of hosting helicopters to support forces ashore rather than to support strike aircraft. However, they are capable of serving in the sea-control role, embarking aircraft like Harrier fighters or the future F-35B Joint Strike Fighter and Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopters.

The Royal Australian Navy future Amphibious Assault Ship will be the Canberra Class LHD.

Ships

Ship	Pennant	Type	Class	Commissioned	Decommissioned
HMAS Adelaide (III)	LHD 01	Amphibious Warfare	Canberra Class
HMAS Canberra (III)	LHD 02	Amphibious Warfare	Canberra Class