Amphibious Transport Ships
Before 1992, the Royal Netherlands Navy hadn't operate any kind of amphibious transport ship, but this changed as in 1986 the initial study for an expeditionary branch of the navy was suggested. This would include a more capable marine corps and several large amphibious assault/transport ships that could deliver large quantities of troops and equipment to far off shores all around the world. At the time the French Navy had just finished its design of the Foudre class landing platform docks, and the Royal Netherlands Navy discussed the possibility with France to design a much larger, much more capable design of the original. The French agreed in 1987 and the Royal Netherlands Navy ordered 3 ships, all to be built in France, but to be finished in the Netherlands, as the ships were to be fitted with Dutch SEWACO systems.
The goal of these ships was that they could initially operate without any further assistance in low- to medium combat situations. That is why these ships are all equipped with a fully capable Sea Sparrow Surface-to-Air Missile system, backed up by a LW-08 search radar and two STIR-180 illuminators. Further more two Goalkeeper 30mm CIWS are fitted to protect the ship against enemy anti-ship missiles.
They carry large stowage areas which can be used to ferry battle tanks and vehicles, a 52-ton elevating platform, a lateral ramp and a flight deck able to simultaneously operate several helicopters. Each ship can ferry a whole armoured regiment with its 32 Leopard 2a6 Main battle tanks, 50 heavy armoured vehicles, 52 all-terrain light vehicles (including 16 MILAN anti-tank missile systems), 54 heavy trucks, 15 light trucks, 5 fuel trucks, 2 tug trucks, 6 120 mm mortars, 67 towed containers and one beach carpeting system, overall 4500 tonnes.
The hull is built around a well deck which constitutes ¾ of the length of the ship, and can accommodate up to six LCVP's, 4 LCU's or 2 LCAC's. They can be put to sea by filling ballast tanks and lowering the ship, and opening the rear door. Another two landing crafts are fitted in the side of the hull.
The aeronautical installations allow all-weather operations of transport helicopters, intended to carry commandos. The ships are all equipped with two separate flight decks. The main flight deck, with hangar, can operate two medium-sized helicopters, or one Chinook heavy helicopter. The second flight deck at the stern can operate another extra helicopter, but is most often used as an extended vehicle storage deck. The hangar can accommodate up to 6 medium-sized helicopters, but the lower vehicle deck can also be used to store helicopters. In a full-helicopter layout the ship could carry 12 helicopters.
The missions assigned to this class of Landing Platform Docks are:
Primary:
* Amphibious Assault missions.
* To provide a Flagship function for a Taskforce or a Flottilla.
Secondary:
* Anti-Air Warfare
* Close-Air Support (all ships can operate attack helicopters to provide close-air support for landed troops)
* Anti-Submarine Warfare (to provide an anti-submarine defense by using a heavy ASW helicopter)
The weaponry of the ship is as following:
-Each ship is equipped with two Goalkeeper 30mm Close-in-weapons-systems capable of firing 4,200 rounds/minute.
-A 16cell Mk-48 VLS is carried with Sea Sparrow SAMs to provide medium-range air-defense
Displacement: 18,000 tonnes empty, 22,700 tonnes full load
Length: 178,2 meters
Beam: 30,4 meters
Draft: 7,3 meters
Machinery: 2x SEMT Pielstick 16 PC 2.5 V400 diesels
Speed: 23 knots
Complement: 20 Officers, 106 Enlisted Personnel. Up to 660 marines/troops.