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The US Navy's Iwo Jima class helicopter carriers were the closest the US came to a Harrier carrier when one was used as an interim Sea Control Ship. The US Marines went on to operate its Harriers from Tarawa and Wasp class ships. But the compact Iwo Jimas might have been a quick and dirty solution to putting a mix of Harriers and helos for countries like Brazil, Canada, France and Netherlands which had to replace their old carriers.
Spain and Italy built their own ships, but these did not arrive till the 80s. An Iwo Jima based design could have been added to US orders and been in service from the early 70s.
Spain and Italy built their own ships, but these did not arrive till the 80s. An Iwo Jima based design could have been added to US orders and been in service from the early 70s.