Now a question for the more expert members on ship design, how about a strategic support ship, that could function as an LHD, as well as a carrier for both STOVL and CATOBAR aircraft? Something like an enlarged Canberra class LHD (300m, 40.000-50.000 tons) that is fitted with a angled deck, and a ski-jump for STOVL aircraft. For instance it could carry a mixed variety of 18x F/A-18 Super Hornets, 18x F-35C Lightning II, 18x F-35B Lightning II, 12 NH90/MH-60 eg. Or just all F/A-18s, helicopters or F-35s. Than of course if would also carry landing crafts and other equipment.
Waste of resources. It won't be as good a carrier as a dedicated carrier, and it won't be as good an LPD as a dedicated one.
Besides, if the need is there, a normal carrier is perfectly capable of playing LPH if it needs to. Throw some temporary housing into the hangar and load it up with Ospreys and heloes and you're set to go.
_________________
“Close” only counts with horseshoes, hand grenades, and tactical nuclear weapons.
That which does not kill me has made a grave tactical error
Worklist
Source Materiel is always welcome.