HII to build new America-class Amphibious Assault Ship for US Navy
The future LHA 9 will differ from USS America, pictured, with the addition of a well deck and enlarged flight deck. (Photo: USN)
HII has already built two America-class LHAs, USS America (LHA 6) and USS Tripoli (LHA 7), with a third, USS Bougainville (LHA 8) under construction.
HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding business has been awarded a $2.4 billion contract for the detail design and construction of a yet-to-be-named America-class vessel (LHA 9).
The contract award includes options that would increase its total value to $3.2 billion if executed.
Construction of LHA 9 is set to begin this December.
LHA 9 retains the aviation capability of the America-class design but adds a well deck and a larger flight deck designed to operate the F-35B and MV-22 Osprey aircraft.
Up to 11 ships are planned, and at 45,000t, the America-class is slightly larger than the preceding Wasp-class.
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