Naval Systems Projections Database™

1. Introduction

   The Naval Systems Projections Database (herein after referred to as NSPD) was developed by AMI International to serve as a means of assisting our clients in entered orders forecasting, future market potential analysis, and future competitive market share analysis.

   The NSPD is maintained as a Microsoft Excel™ spreadsheet with over 140 fields of market intelligence. The database contains assessments of the type of equipment expected to be purchased for each of the programs described in WNPR, including the details of anticipated weapon, sensor, and propulsion systems with pricing estimates.

   Currently, the NSPD tracks over 478 ongoing or projected naval ship new construction programs around the world. These 478 projects represent over 3,557 ships that we believe will be built by 2022, with a market value of over US$507.5 Billion.

   The ability of Excel™ to manipulate this information makes the NSPD an indispensable tool for clients as they assess their future market potential, and that of their competitors, and develop realistic sales forecasts.

   This document serves as a data element definition guide for those terms and analytical references used in the NSPD. These terms and analytical references are used to describe a vessel type or program regardless of the terms or analytical references that might be in use by a particular navy. Definitions are provided for each major field or group of fields found in the NSPD.

   General Issues

   The following paragraphs address general issues related to the assumptions used in the NSPD.

   1. Rules on Fields

      A blank field means there is no known requirement for this capability. If a manufacturer’s name or specific system name is used in a field it means that this system has already been selected. The term "likely" will be added if analysis has determined this specific manufacturer’s system is expected to be selected. The term "Open" is used to indicate this is an open opportunity for sales.

   2. Ship Life Expectancy

      As a means of determining ship life expectancy for likely replacement AMI uses the following general guidelines. All of these guidelines can be modified depending upon a known ship class condition or usage level. As a rule of thumb, major surface combatants (destroyers, frigates), auxiliaries, and amphibious ships have a notional service life of 35 to 45 years. Corvettes and OPVs can be expected to last 25 to 30 years. FACs, patrol craft and boats can be expected to last fifteen to twenty years. Mine countermeasures ships will support 25 to 30 years of active operational life (assumes a GRP or amagnetic steel hull) but will likely see a systems modernization once or twice through their life. Large submarines generally last 30 years.

   3. Ship Types

      In regards to Ship Type, a number of world navies are building surface combatants that are referred to locally as "frigates." Based on the terms and analytical references specified below, these surface combatants are more accurately typed as "destroyers" and are indicated as such in AMI products. Vessel type categories were developed to describe the worldwide market with the degree of fidelity necessary to be accurate and meaningful for business development and strategic marketing purposes. The vessel type definitions are provided at the end of this document as well as via a link on our homepage.

   4. System Cost Estimates

      Estimates for each of the hardware fields is based on hardware costs only. These estimates do not include the following elements:

      • R&D development costs
      • Actual weapons or ammunition
      • Training or Depot spares

      An example to better explain our estimates is provided in the figure below. This figure uses the DDG-51 Destroyer as an example.

      The figures used in the NSPD reflect those identified above titled "Combat Systems, Weapons & Sensors Hardware". When compared to the total Combat Systems cost of an AEGIS Destroyer the NSPD estimates represent some 26% of the total cost of the ship.

   5. Scope of Coverage

      There are 151 ocean-based navies worldwide. Of these ocean-based navies approximately 61 actually have sufficient funds to procure naval vessels and/or systems and equipment. Currently the NSPD includes over 478 different projects in over 61 different countries.

      The NSPD does not track projects for North Korea in that the intent of this database is to provide forecasted sales opportunities.

    

2. NSPD Field Definitions

   General Program Data Fields

   1. Projection:

      Program Status is an assessment of the maturity, development, and feasibility of a new construction program. A program can be described as being one of the following

      • Projected -"Projected" represents an expert analytical assessment of a future new construction requirement. This assessment is based on anticipated future operational requirements, world naval developments, the age and capability of existing platforms, and the need for replacements.
      • Planned - "Planned" is a projected requirement that has been officially acted upon by the navy's government with announcements of future intent, concept development, design development, etc. Within the category of "planned," a project can be further assessed as "likely", indicating the nation in question has the means and the will to translate the plan into an actual acquisition, or "Unlikely," which means the plan lacks feasibility and will probably never result in a program acquisition.
      • Firm - "Firm" means that money has been appropriated for construction and long lead procurements have begun. At this point, there is a high likelihood that the program will result in a commissioned ship. For "Firm" projects where a contract award has already been made, an annotation in the "EXPECT AWARD" field will be made as "Underway".
      • Complete - A program is "Complete" when all programmed units have been commissioned. At this point, a final report will be included in the WNPR country report and the program will be deleted from the NSPD.
      • Unlikely - This will describe a program that had been announced, but that has been overtaken by events (either lack of funding or change in priorities).
   2. Region:

      AMI generally follows the U.S. State Department classifications for regions. The following graphic illustrates which countries are included in each region;

      • NATO (Blue) : All NATO members excluding the U.S. AMI addresses the United States separately in that it has a tendency to skew the NATO figures which would not allow for an effective market assessment.
      • Non-NATO Europe (Yellow):
      • United States (Green):
      • Latin America (Purple) : Caribbean and all Latin American countries.
      • Middle East (Red) :
      • South Africa region (Light Blue) :
      • Asia/Australasia (Tan) :
      • Russia (Grey) :
   3. Country

      This field provides the country name.

   4. Ship Class

      This is the name of the project provided by the procuring Navy. If no project title has been assigned AMI assigns a title that is explanatory in nature of what the program is. For analyses purposes, AMI provides the following definitions of the various ship classes that will be found being procured.

   5. Vessel Types

      AMI categorizes vessel types on the basis of ship function, size, speed, armament, and overall sensor/combat system capability. The detail characteristics of different vessel types is described at the end of this document.

      This field serves as a means to categorize the various vessel types into general segments in order that this field can serve the need of quickly sorting the entire ship naval future market into discernable segments. This should be meaningful for business development and strategic marketing purposes.

   6. Concept Start

      This field identifies the date for which the concept definition is anticipated to begin. This is an important date for shipbuilders and complex systems houses in that this is when a company needs to begin influencing the various design and solution options to ensure the capabilities of your designs or systems are considered.

      Depending on it’s size and complexity, a naval vessel can take up to 15 years from concept inception to actual commissioning. The figure below details the typical elements involved in the acquisition of a new naval vessel. Also identified are the various steps within business development along this path.

3. Concept Selected

   Once a concept has been selected, a more definite idea is available on whether the capabilities represented by your systems are compatible with the selection. It is after this milestone that preliminary designs are begun and major systems are specified and selected. This is an important period in which to influence platform technical staffs or the staff specifications.

4. Contract Design Begins

   Once the capabilities of a selected concept are defined and a overview or top level specification developed, a contract design will begin to be developed in order to assist the client navy in their formal acquisition process.

5. FOC (First of Class) RFP

   This date is when a Request for Proposal is expected to be issued for the first ship of class.

6. Expected Award

   Expected award date for first of class. If the award has been made then the entry reads "Underway."

7. Length Meters

   This field is the anticipated length of the vessel in meters. It is provided as a tool to assist in better categorizing which projects are suitable markets for your products.

8. Displacement Tonnage (Full Load)

   This field is the anticipated length of the vessel in meters. It is provided as a tool to assist in better categorizing which projects are suitable markets for your products.

9. Maximum Speed

   This field is an estimate of the maximum speed for the vessel. An aid to estimating propulsion system requirements.

10. Endurance

    This field estimates nm at a particular speed in knots.

11. US$M Total Value

    This figure is the sum of the total costs per vessel field times the number of vessels to be commissioned during the next 20 years.

12. Value Per Vessel in US$

    This figure reflects the total platform cost including ship construction, and all ship's systems and equipment on a per vessel basis. AMI tries to find actual budgets or cost data for each project. This does not include the cost of missile or ammunition purchases.

13. Total Built

    This is a sum of the commission fields for the next 20 year. An additional 10 years are included in the spreadsheet but NOT reflected in this total.

14. Commission Year Fields

    These fields reflect how many ships will be commissioned within each calendar year. AMI uses a ship's commissioning date to mark the completion of that ship's construction process. The WNPR country report will, when the information is available, delineate the dates that a ship is laid down, launched, and commissioned. However, the NSPD table use the commissioning date as the ship build date.

15. Prime

    This field captures the prime contractor and the shipyard at which the ship is to be built.

16. CS $ Per Vessel

    This sums all of the equipment estimates for an individual vessel.

Combat Systems Fields

Combat Systems entries are organized into the following three major categories:

• Engagement Systems Fields
• Track/Control Systems Fields
• Detection Systems Fields

As mentioned earlier in the Introduction, estimates for each of the hardware fields is based on hardware costs only. These estimates do not include the following elements:

• R&D development costs
• Actual weapons or ammunition
• Training or Depot spares

1. Engagement Systems Fields

   These fields will not include the missile, ammunition or ordnance. These reflect only the hardware costs of the launchers or mounts.

   1. Medium Caliber Guns

      This field includes guns from 57mm to 127mm or larger.

   2. Medium Caliber Gun $ Estimate
   3. Minor Caliber Guns

      This field includes guns from 20mm to 40mm guns. Gun based close-in-weapons systems are covered under the CIWS Gun field.

   4. Minor Caliber Guns $ Estimate
   5. CIWS (Close-In Weapons Systems) Gun

      This field covers gun based Close-In-Weapons Systems only. Short range or point defense missile systems are covered under the AAW Short Range field. If the system is a combination gun and missile system, it will be included in this field and its estimate provided in the CIWS $ Estimate field. However an annotation of the missile type will be included in the AAW Short Range.

   6. CIWS $ Estimate
   7. Torpedoes

      This field will identify what type of torpedo tube and quantity. SVTT stands for Surface Vessel Torpedo Tube. SVTT’s generally come in either dual mounts or triple mounts. Generally you will find two (2) mounts on each naval vessel.

   8. Torpedoes $ Estimate
   9. Number of SSMs
   10. SSMs Surface to Surface Missiles

       This field covers surface to surface missiles and will also include Land Attack Missiles such as NTACMS, SM-4, and Tomahawk.

   11. SSMs $ Estimate
   12. AAW SR Anti-Air Warfare Missiles Short Range

       This field covers short-range point defense missile systems such as RAM, MISTRAL (including its various launching systems like SADRAL), SeaStreak, SeaSprint, Crotale, Barak, SeaWolf, etc. If several missiles are launched from the same launcher, the first instance of the launcher within the Short Range, Medium Range, or Long Range fields will include the estimate for the launcher. Annotations on missiles types will then be included in the appropriate missile range field.

   13. AAW SR $ Estimate
   14. AAW MR Anti-Air Warfare Missiles Medium Range

       This field will include local area missiles such as earlier version of Standard Missile, ESSM, Aster 15, SeaDart, etc.

   15. AAW MR $ Estimate
   16. AAW LR Anti-Air Warfare Long range

       This field will included long range AAW missiles such as Standard Missile 2Block III and up as well as ASTER 30.

   17. AAW LR $ estimate
   18. ASW Weapon

       This field will cover non-torpedo tube ASW weapons such as mortars, rocket launchers, etc.

   19. ASW Weapon $ Estimate

        

2. Track Systems Fields
   1. Combat Data System
   2. Combat data System $ Estimate
   3. Fire Control Systems

      This field will cover all types of Fire Control Systems including Missile FCS, Gun FCS, ASW FCS, etc.

   4. Fire Control Systems $ estimate
   5. Data Link
   6. Data Link $ estimate

    

3. Detection Systems Fields
   0. Optronic Systems
   1. Optronics Systems $ Estimate
   2. Sonar Hull
   3. Sonar Hull $ Estimate
   4. Sonar VDS

      This field will also include the newer combination VDS and Towed Array systems being introduced today.

   5. Sonar VDS $ estimate
   6. Sonar Towed Array
   7. Sonar Towed Array $ Estimate
   8. Minesweep System

      This field will include all minesweeping systems and the corresponding estimate field will also cover the costs of any special power generation equipment.

   9. Minesweep System $ Estimate
   10. ROV System

       This field will include all ROV systems and the corresponding estimate field will also cover the costs of any special power generation equipment for tethered, umbilical powered ROVs.

   11. ROV System $ Estimate
   12. Navigation Radars
   13. Navigation Radars $ Estimate
   14. Fire Control Radars
   15. Fire Control Radars $ Estimate
   16. Air Search Radars
   17. Air Search Radars $ Estimate
   18. Surface Search Radars
   19. Surface Search Radars $ Estimate
   20. Air/Surface Search Combos
   21. Air/Surface Search Combos $ Estimate
   22. IFF System
   23. IFF System $ Estimate

    

4. Other Systems
   0. Towed Torpedo Decoy System
   1. Towed Torpedo Decoy System $ Estimate
   2. EW Systems
   3. EW Systems $ Estimate
   4. Chaff Decoys
   5. Chaff Decoys $ Estimate
   6. Helo Solution

      This field is provided for general information to assist in market segmentation.

5. Propulsion

   These field have been recently added in an attempt to capture more detailed information associated with propulsion and therefore are not as well populated as the other areas.

   0. General Main Propulsion (MP)
   1. MP Diesel Mfr
   2. MP Diesel Model & #
   3. MP Diesel HP
   4. MP Diesel $ Est
   5. MP Gas Turbine Mfr
   6. MP Gas Turbine Model & #
   7. MP Gas Turbine HP
   8. MP Gas Turbine Est
   9. MP AIP Mfr
   10. MP AIP Model & #
   11. MP AIP HP/kW
   12. MP AIP Est
   13. MP Nuclear Reactor Mfr
   14. MP Nuclear Reactor Model & #
   15. MP Nuclear Reactor HP/kW
   16. MP Nuclear Reactor Est
   17. MP Generator Mfr
   18. MP Generator Model & #
   19. MP Generator kW
   20. MP Generator Est
   21. Reduction Gear Mfr
   22. Reduction Gear Est
   23. Number of Shafts & Propellers
   24. Propeller Mfr & Type (CPP)
   25. Propeller Est
   26. MP Propulsor Mfr
   27. MP Propulsor Model & #
   28. MP Propulsor Est
   29. Ship Service Diesel Gen (SSDG) Mfr
   30. SSDG Model & #
   31. SSDG est
   32. Ship Service Gas Turbine Mfr
   33. Ship Service Gas Turbine Model & #
   34. Ship Service Gas Turbine Est
   35. Ship Service Fuel Cell Mfr
   36. Ship Service Fuel Cell Model & #
   37. Ship Service Fuel Cell Est
   38. Ship Service Generator Model & #
   39. Ship Service Generator Est
   40. Ship Service Generator kW
   41. Total Power Generation kW
   42. Emergency Diesel Gen (EMDG) Mfr
   43. EMDG model & #
   44. EMDG kW
   45. EMDG Est
   46. IPMS Mfr - Integrated Platform Management System
   47. IPMS Model
   48. IPMS Est
   49. Aux Thruster Mfr
   50. Aux Thruster Model & #
   51. Aux Thruster HP
   52. Aux Thruster Est
   53. Stabilization Mfr & Model
   54. Stabilization Est
   55. Propulsion Battery Mfr
   56. Number of Battery cells
   57. Battery Capacity
   58. Battery Est

• Vessel Type Definitions

  Aircraft Carriers

  Aircraft carriers are medium to large sized ships that exist to carry and operate combat aircraft, both fixed-wing and rotary. A number of amphibious ships also carry and operate aircraft, but they do so primarily to support amphibious operations. This category of vessel type will include the following three types of aircraft carriers in operation with world navies:

  • Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft carriers (CV/CVN) - Currently, the United States and France are the only nations that operate large-deck aircraft carriers that can accommodate CTOL aircraft (Brazil has a small CTOL capable aircraft carrier but does not have CTOL aircraft that can operate from its decks). A CTOL aircraft carrier requires steam catapults, an angled recovery deck, and arresting gear; features that significantly increase cost and ship size.
  • Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft carriers (CVS) - A number of nations (India, Italy, Russia, Spain, Thailand, and the United Kingdom) operate smaller aircraft carriers (generally, 11,000 to 21,000 tons, but Russia's Kiev class is considerably larger at 48,500 tons) that operate STOVL aircraft, primarily Harriers. A STOVL aircraft carrier does not require catapults, an angled recovery deck, or arresting gear, but is usually fitted with a ski jump forward to facilitate short take offs. Korea, Turkey, and Japan have also expressed interest in acquiring aircraft carriers, and may build smaller ships capable of operating STOVL aircraft. The United Kingdom will return to big-deck carrier operations with its Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) Program, which will commission one ship in 2012, and a second in 2015. The United Kingdom is examining CTOL, STOVL, and STOBAR options for the CVF, but is believed to favor the STOVL option. China is also reportedly is developing a big-deck aircraft carrier that may enter service around 2010, but no firm information is currently available as to the type of aircraft that will operate from its deck.
  • Short Take Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) aircraft carriers (CV) - Russia is the only nation in the world with an aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, that operates STOBAR aircraft. A STOBAR aircraft carrier is a compromise option; like a CTOL aircraft carrier, it is fitted with an angled recovery deck and arresting gear, but like a STOVL aircraft carrier, it has a ski jump forward and no steam catapults.

  Submarines

  Submarines are extremely popular with world navies and this category of vessel type will include the following four general types:

  • Ballistic Missile Nuclear-Powered Submarines (SSBNs) - SSBNs, the most powerful warships afloat, are operated by only a few of the world's nuclear powers: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines (SSNs) - SSNs are the most capable general-purpose submarines, but only a few blue-water nations (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) can currently afford to build and operate nuclear submarines. However, Brazil and India have programs in place to develop an indigenous nuclear submarine construction capability.
  • General Purpose Diesel-Electric Submarine (SS) - Diesel-electric submarines are the most common submarines and are operated by a large number of the world's navies.
  • Small Special Purpose Midget Submarines and Swimmer Delivery Vehicles - This would include small midget submarines such as the COSMOS type as well as dry and wet swimmer delivery vehicles.

  Destroyers (DD or DDG)

  A destroyer is currently the largest type of surface combatant currently under construction for world navies. Destroyers have steadily grown in size (now 5,000 to 10,000 tons), expense (nearly US$700 million apiece) and capability. Generally, a destroyer is considered to be a ship that has all of the sensors (including a sophisticated phased-array radar), combat systems, and weapons needed to operate in a high-threat environment. A number of world navies are currently building ships that, while called frigates, more accurately represent destroyers in size and capability. Examples include the Spanish F-100, the German F-124, and the Dutch De Zeven Provincien classes (all are highly capable ships displacing over 5,000 tons and carrying phased-array radars).

  Frigates (FF or FFG)

  A frigate is a medium-sized surface combatant (between 2,000 and 5,000 tons) that is either suited for one specific role (anti-submarine warfare or anti-air warfare), or has lesser all-around capabilities than a destroyer. A frigate may be less capable than a destroyer, but is still a relatively sophisticated and expensive (averaging around US$325 million apiece) platform. A frigate is generally the smallest surface combatant that can conduct extended blue-water missions in a high-threat environment.

  Corvettes (FS)

  Corvettes are fast (around 25 knots or better), well-armed ships that displace between 700 and 2000 tons. A corvette is generally not intended for extended ocean-going operations, and is best suited for regional operations. Corvettes are generally the smallest platforms capable of accommodating the sensors, weapons, and combat systems needed to operate in a medium threat environment. Corvettes are sometimes referred to as light frigates (FFLs). It can be assumed that the hull design for a corvette and that of an offshore patrol vessel are very similar. The differences will be in propulsion and outfitting. Corvettes will have higher speed and therefore less endurance and range than OPV, much greater armament, and less space for provisions and habitability.

  Fast Attack Craft (FAC, also referred to as PTGs or PCGs)

  FACs are small (under 700 tons), fast (over 25 knots) vessels that are intended for quick, hit-and-run strike operations within 100 miles of the coast. FACs are primarily armed for a limited anti-surface warfare (ASUW) mission. They may bristle with a number of guns, torpedoes, and surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) and thus present a credible threat to surface ships. However, a FAC lacks the range, seakeeping qualities and defensive systems needed to operate independently for any extended length of time in a high or medium-threat environment. FACs are generally employed by nations that plan to operate them close to shore, or in the shelter of archipelagoes (e.g. the Aegean, Norwegian fjords, or the South China Sea). Generally, FAC hulls are thin and made of aluminum or steel. Because of their thin hulls, modifications are more difficult to make and life expectancy is reduced.

  Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV)

  In response to a number of environmental and economic concerns, world navies and/or coast guards developed a type of patrol vessel, the OPV, which is capable of patrolling the waters of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for extended lengths of time. By virtue of its mission, an OPV must be relatively large (generally over 700 tons) to possess the necessary range and seakeeping characteristics needed for extended offshore patrols. The higher in latitude a Navy operates (North or South of the Equator), the larger the wave heights and therefore the larger an OPV will be. For example India operates in waters that are known for very rough conditions. Some Indian OPVs are beyond 2,000 tons displacement. An OPV is often built to commercial standards and is slower (generally around 20 knots) than its corvette and frigate cousins. However, some nations will build OPVs with space and weight margins for future weapons upgrades. These types of OPVs will generally be built to naval standards including hull and equipment shock requirements. An OPV is generally lightly armed (a medium-sized gun), but is sometimes fitted to carry surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) or ASW equipment in wartime. Most new construction OPVs are also equipped with a helicopter deck and hangar to enhance its patrol capabilities. It can be assumed that the hull design for a corvette and that of an offshore patrol vessel are very similar. The differences will be in propulsion and outfitting for each application. Offshore patrol vessels will have slower speed, less armament, and greater space for provisions and habitability thereby allowing for greater endurance and range.

  Patrol Vessels

  This vessel type category will include the following patrol vessel types:

  • Patrol Boat (PBs) - Patrol Boats are smaller than OPVs and larger than PCs, thus filling the range between 100 and 700 tons. A PB is designed for multi-day patrol operations (anti-smuggling, search and rescue, coastal security, etc.) in coastal waters. A PB is often armed with a small to medium caliber gun (typically a 76mm and/or 40mm gun) and machine guns. It may also be fitted for, but not with, surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs).
  • Patrol Craft (PC) - Patrol craft are small (under 100 tons) and are intended to conduct short patrols (anti-smuggling, search and rescue, harbor security, etc.) in relatively sheltered coastal waters, harbors, or rivers. Patrol craft are lightly armed (usually machine guns) and have limited range.

  Mine Countermeasures Vessels (MCMV)

  An MCMV is any vessel designed to locate and neutralize naval mines. A number of ship types fall within the MCMV category:

  • Mine Countermeasures Support Ship (MCS) - An MCS provides command, control, communications, and logistics support to mine warfare operations. An MCS is frequently an auxiliary-type ship, but some are also capable of operating MCM helicopters.
  • Minehunting Ship (MHS) - A MHS is a ship, generally over 500 tons, that is equipped with specialized sensors (usually fitted in a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)) to locate and destroy mines. An MHS may or may not also carry the traditional mine sweeping arrays that characterize a minesweeper.
  • Fleet Minesweeper (MSF) - A MSF is a ship, generally over 500 tons, that is fitted to tow sweep arrays to locate and neutralize moored and bottom mines.
  • Coastal Minehunter (MHC) - A MHC is smaller than an MHS, generally under 500 tons, and is intended for operations in coastal waters.
  • Coastal Minesweeper (MSC) - A MSC is smaller than an MSF, generally under 500 tons, and conducts sweep operations in coastal waters.
  • Minelayer (ML) - A minelayer is designed to lay naval mines; however, it often performs additional tasks such as serving as an MCS, a training ship, or a patrol vessel.

  Amphibious Ships

  Amphibious ships are ocean-going vessels that are capable of conducting amphibious operations with either embarked aircraft or amphibious landing craft. There are a number of ship types that fall within the larger category of amphibious ships:

  • Amphibious Assault Ship, General Purpose (LHA) - A large ship (approximately 40,000 tons) that has a full flight deck for carrying and operating helicopters and supporting VSTOL aircraft, and a well-deck for carrying and operating embarked landing craft. The US Navy's Tarawa class is an example of a LHA.
  • Amphibious Assault Ship, Multipurpose (LHD) - A large ship (approximately 40,000 tons) that has a full flight deck for carrying and operating helicopters and supporting VSTOL aircraft, and a well-deck for carrying and operating embarked landing craft. The US Navy's Wasp class is an example of a LHD.
  • Amphibious Assault Ship, Helicopter (LPH) - A medium-sized ship (approximately 20,000 tons) that has a full flight deck for carrying and operating helicopters and supporting VSTOL aircraft. The Royal Navy's Ocean class is an example of a LPH.
  • Amphibious Transport, Dock (LPD) - A medium-sized ship (10,000 to 25,000 tons) that has a well-deck aft for carrying and operating embarked landing craft. An LPD also has a flight deck, usually aft over the well-deck, for operating up to five helicopters. An LPD differs from a Landing Ship, Dock (LSD) in that an LPD usually carries large numbers of troops at the expense of vehicles and cargo.
  • Landing Ship, Dock (LSD) - A medium-sized ship (10,000 to 25,000 tons) that has a well-deck aft for carrying and operating embarked landing craft. An LPD also has a flight deck, usually aft over the well-deck, for operating up to five helicopters. An LSD differs from an LPD in that an LSD usually carries vehicles and cargo, while an LPD carries large numbers of troops.
  • Landing Ship, Tank (LST) - A ship designed to beach and discharge personnel, vehicles, and cargo via a bow ramp system. Usually over 2,000 tons full load displacement and capable of landing over 400 metric tons of cargo.
  • Landing Ship, Logistic (LSL) - Similar to an LST, but may not have a beaching capability.
  • Landing Ship, Medium (LSM) - A ship designed to beach and discharge personnel, vehicles, and cargo via a bow ramp. Smaller than an LST, under 2,000 tons full load displacement and capable of landing under 400 metric tons of cargo.
  • Amphibious Transport (LPA) - A ship designed to carry assault troops to the site of an amphibious operation. Troops are delivered to the beach by embarked landing craft launched via davits or cranes. An LPA is not equipped with a well-deck.
  • Amphibious Cargo Ship (LKA) - A ship designed to carry vehicles and cargo to the site of an amphibious operation. The cargo is delivered to the beach by embarked landing craft launched via davits or cranes. An LKA is not equipped with a well-deck.

  Amphibious Craft

  Amphibious craft are far smaller than amphibious ships, usually under 1000 tons, and are designed to beach and discharge their cargo via a bow ramp. An amphibious craft is not an ocean-going vessel, and is frequently carried in a larger amphibious ship. These types of vessels are made of steel and are easily repaired and maintained for years. Propulsion and control systems are generally the only elements that need overhaul or upgrading A wide variety of small amphibious vessels fall within the category of amphibious craft:

  • Landing Craft, Assault (LCA) - An LCA is a small (under 20 tons), high-speed (up to 35 knots) vessel intended to carry a small number of troops (under 20) for quick assaults or commando-style operations. An LCA does not have a bow ramp, so troops disembark over the side or via inflatable rafts. An LCA is not usually carried by amphibious ships, but is used for short-range coastal operations.
  • Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) - An LCAC is a high-speed (up to 40 knots) vessel able to carry troops, vehicles, and cargo across the beach from over-the-horizon distances. LCACs can usually be carried in the well-decks of LHAs, LHDs, LPDs, and LSDs. An LCAC generally displaces around 180 tons.
  • Landing Craft, Medium (LCM) - A beachable vessel capable of transporting up to 100 tons of vehicles, cargo, and personnel. Can be embarked in larger amphibious ships in well-decks, davits, or deck cargo. An LCM usually displaces around 125 tons.
  • Landing Craft, Personnel (LCP) - A small (10 tons) vessel used to transport personnel and limited cargo to a beach. An LCP does not usually have a bow ramp, so troops disembark over the side or via inflatable rafts.
  • Landing Craft, Tank (LCT) - A larger vessel (700 tons) that can carry heavy armored vehicles in an open deck area forward. An LCT is designed to beach and discharge troops, vehicles, and cargo onto the beach via a bow ramp. An LCT is usually too large to be embarked in an amphibious ship.
  • Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) - An LCU is generally and open-topped vessel designed to beach and discharge troops, vehicles, and cargo onto the beach via a bow ramp. An LCU is not large enough to make extended ocean voyages and can be carried in the well-decks of LHAs, LHDs, LPDs, and LSDs. An LCU usually displaces between 100 and 450 tons.
  • Landing Craft, Vehicle/Personnel (LCVP) - An LCVP is a ship-transportable capable of carrying troops, cargo, and small vehicles to the beach. An LCVP usually displaces less than 25 tons.

  Auxiliaries

  The Auxiliary category covers a large number of ships and small craft of various types that support naval operations. To limit the problem to a manageable scope, AMI focuses on larger ships (over 1000 tons) that are capable of ocean going operations. Some of the Auxiliary ship types that AMI covers include:

  • Intelligence Collection Ship (AGI) - A ship designed to collect intelligence on foreign nations, mostly electronic intelligence, but also acoustic and electro-optical intelligence.
  • Missile Range Implementation Ship (AGM) - A ship designed to collect data about domestic missile tests, and to support missile-firing trials of the ship's navy.
  • Oceanographic Research Ship (AGOR) - A ship intended to gather information on the physical and biological properties of the world's oceans.
  • Hydrographic Survey Ship (AGS) - A ship designed to perform bottom surveys and to process data for the creation of navigational charts. An AGS also often has the capability to perform oceanographic research functions as well.
  • Cargo Ship (AK) - A cargo ship transports dry cargo in support of naval forces or forward deployed ground forces. An AK generally does not have the capability to perform underway replenishment operations.
  • Oiler (AO) - An AO carries fuels to naval ships at sea and can transfer those fuels via underway replenishment operations. An AO often can carry small quantities of ammunition, cargo, and provisions as well.
  • Replenishment Oiler (AOR) - An AOR, also referred to as an AOE (Fast Combat Support Ship) in the US Navy, can carry a full-range of fuels, ammunition, cargo, and provisions (dry and refrigerated) for underway replenishment operations.
  • Salvage and Rescue Ship (ARS) - An ARS supports salvage, rescue, and firefighting operations.
  • Submarine Rescue Ship (ASR) - An ASR is primarily designed to rescue personnel from sunken submarines, but can also perform general salvage and ocean towing functions. Most navies that operate submarine forces maintain at least one ASR.