America vs Wasp

The America class (LHA-6) and Wasp class (LHD-1) constitute the large-deck amphibious assault capacity of the United States Navy. Manufactured by Huntington Ingalls Industries, the Wasp class entered service in 1989 as a successor to the Tarawa class, while the America class, commissioned in 2014, serves as the direct replacement for the Tarawa vessels. Both platforms support Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU) using a combination of V/STOL aircraft and rotary-wing assets, though structural differences dictate distinct operational profiles.

Development and Design

The Wasp class hull measures 257 meters by 31.8 meters with a displacement of 41,150 tons. A defining feature is the well deck, designed to support Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft for surface assaults. The America class shares similar dimensions (257m x 32m) but displaces 45,693 tons—approximately 4,500 tons heavier than the Wasp.

The initial Flight 0 America vessels eliminated the well deck to increase internal volume for aviation fuel, munitions, and maintenance facilities. This modification supports a higher tempo of air operations but removes organic surface connector capability. Later America class variants reintegrate the well deck to transport heavy armor, aligning with the Wasp configuration. America class decks required structural modifications to withstand the thermal exhaust of F-35B and MV-22B aircraft, a capability retrofitted onto Wasp class ships.

Weapons and Sensors

Both classes utilize point-defense systems for threat mitigation. The America class carries two Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launchers and two Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) launchers. Close-in defense is provided by two Phalanx CIWS, three Mk 38 Machine Gun Systems, and seven .50 caliber mounts.

The Wasp class armament consists of two RAM launchers and two RIM-7 Sea Sparrow launchers. Gun systems include three Phalanx CIWS, four Mk 38s, and four .50 caliber machine guns. Both platforms integrate multi-dimensional air search radars and electronic warfare decoys. The America class benefits from updated sensor integration inherent to a newer design baseline.

Propulsion and Performance

The first seven Wasp class ships utilize two geared steam turbines generating 70,000 shp, achieving speeds of 22 knots with a range of 9,500 nm at 18 knots. The final unit, USS Makin Island, utilizes gas turbines. The America class employs a hybrid-electric propulsion system comprising two gas turbines (70,000 bhp) and two auxiliary diesel-electric engines. This system allows for a maximum speed of 20 knots. The switch to gas turbines on the America class allows for commonality of fuel between the ship's propulsion and embarked aircraft, simplifying logistics.

Deployment and Combat Record

Eight Wasp class ships were constructed between 1989 and 2009. Seven remain active; USS Bonhomme Richard was decommissioned in 2021 following severe fire damage. With a unit cost of $2.28 billion, these ships function as the primary LHD platforms. The America class, with a unit cost of $3.36 billion, has two Flight 0 units in service. While Wasp ships maintain balanced air/surface capabilities, America Flight 0 vessels often operate in a "light carrier" configuration, embarking a larger complement of F-35B Lightning II fighters to project force from greater standoff ranges.

Conclusion

The America class represents a specialized evolution of the Wasp design, initially prioritizing aviation capacity over surface amphibious assault. While the Wasp class maintains the flexible well-deck configuration for multi-modal landings, the Flight 0 America vessels maximize air support volume. The return to well-deck equipped hulls in future America production lots indicates a doctrinal reconvergence with the balanced capabilities established by the Wasp class.