San Antonio-class (LPD-17)

Summary

Description

The San Antonio class, also known as the LPD-17 class, is a group of amphibious transport docks functioning as part of the United States Navy's global fleet. These ships serve to replace the older Austin-class LPDs and other retired classes, such as the Newport-class tank landing ships, Anchorage-class dock landing ships, and Charleston-class amphibious cargo ships.

Originally proposed as a fleet of twelve ships, with an initial target price of $890 million each, the average cost escalated to $1.6 billion per ship. As of December 2022, eleven ships were active while three additional vessels were under construction. The second flight, dubbed LPD Flight II, consisting of thirteen ships, was planned to bring the total number to 26, beginning with LPD 30, the Harrisburg.

In terms of design, the San Antonio class is significantly larger than its predecessor, the Austin class, and is outfitted for modern naval requirements. Designed with a focus on network-centric warfare, this class is equipped to work with transformative platforms like the MV-22 Osprey, LCACs, and had future projections for handling various Marine delivery methods, including spacecraft recovery as demonstrated by the USS Portland during the Artemis 1 mission in December 2022. The design philosophy known as "Design for Ownership" involved operator and maintainer input throughout the development phase, aiming to reduce total ownership costs and heighten operational effectiveness. Notable design features include survivability components like RAM air threats protection, minimized radar signature, improved blast and fragmentation resistance, a shock-hardened structure, and a comprehensive fiber-optic ship-wide area network to integrate onboard systems.

The San Antonio class is installed with the Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) for automated defense against air threats and utilizes the Advanced Enclosed Mast/Sensors System to improve radar and other frequency emissions. Moreover, it emphasizes the quality of life for Marines and sailors with appropriate accommodations and medical facilities.

Operational history has not been without criticism. Initial reports about the USS San Antonio cited deficiencies in combat effectiveness and survivability. Nevertheless, plans for a 12th ship were put forward in 2015, with continued adjustments to the class, including considerations for vertical launch systems to support offensive missile capabilities.

The class also influenced derivative designs, with Senator Kay Hagan querying the potential extension to a 12th ship as a precursor to the LX(R) class, based on the San Antonio hull. After internal deliberations and recommendations, the LX(R) was indeed based on the LPD-17 design, with Huntington Ingalls Industries presenting a modified LPD-17 Flight IIA design for the Navy's LX(R) amphibious ship. These modifications create a more cost-effective "amphibious truck" while retaining critical command, control, and landing functionalities.

The subsequent Flight II is set to include more than 200 changes from the Flight I, focusing on affordability and efficiency for tasks performed by the older Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships. As of March 2023, the US Navy has been pondering a "strategic pause" in acquiring more San Antonio class ships beyond LPD-32 to better assess needs and numbers.

Technical specifications

Photo of San Antonio class