The Difference Between LHA & LHD

The United States Navy has an array of ships for a multitude of purposes. One type of Navy vessel is the amphibious assault ship. Both the LHA and the LHD are amphibious assault ships.

Purpose

The LHA and the LHD are amphibious assault ships and are called upon for the same purpose. The Navy primarily uses them for the transportation of Marines. The ships resemble heavily armed air craft carriers. There are different model numbers in the LHA and LHD line of ships. LHA and LHD ships will differ not only from each other but within the same line. An LHA 1 is different from an LHA 6.

LHD Flight Deck

The LHD was an improved version of the LHA. One of the primary differences between the two ships is the decks design. The flight deck of the LHD was enhanced to provide more space for additional helicopters as well as additional hovercraft. The LHA 6 is slotted for release by the Navy in 2013 and is an enhancement of the LHD 8. Notable differences are an increased fuel capacity and additional aviation store rooms.

Medical

The secondary purpose of the LHA and the LHD is to be a medical receiving facility during battle. The LHD was initially designed with a greater capacity for patients. The LHD currently has a larger medical staff to provide services in operating rooms and ICU beds. The new LHA 6 has been designed to better receive patients by air. The medical facilities were redesigned as well and are much larger than previous LHA or LHD models.

References

• Navy: Amphibious Assault Ships - LHA/LHD/LHA(R)
• Federation of American Scientist: LHD-1 Wasp Class
• Brookside Press: Operation Medicine 2001