Turkish shipbuilder ADIK (Anadolu Deniz Insaat Kizaklari) has presented a new 'mini' landing helicopter dock (LHD) vessel concept at the DIMDEX 2016 maritime defence and security exhibition in Doha, Qatar, highlighting the concept's place as an affordable but effective amphibious warfare solution.
Displacing 9,500 tonnes, the 153 m ship is intended as a smaller alternative to the current generation of 20,000 tonne-plus ships on the market. It is intended also to represent a more suitable solution for smaller navies looking to replace or grow amphibious warfare capability.
The ship features a well-deck aft that can accommodate two landing craft mechanical (LCMs) and four davit-launched landing craft vehicle personnel (LCVPs), and has between four and six landing spots for medium helicopters in the 10-15 tonne range, enabling the rapid delivery of personnel ashore by air. The concept also includes the capability to deliver vehicles and cargo ashore via a bow ramp.
Total cargo capacity is up to 1,400 tonnes, comprising tanks, armoured and soft-skinned vehicles, and cargo. Up to 388 troops can be carried in addition to the ship's 158 crew, and accommodation is also provided for up to 22 air crew and maintainers and up to 25 headquarters staff.
Provision is made for an extensive sensor and combat system fit, plus two Mk 15 Phalanx close-in weapon systems and four 12.7 mm remote weapon stations for self-defence, as well as two bow-mounted 40 mm guns for fire-support operations in the landing zone.
