How many aircraft can an LHD carry?

• A. 20-25 Aircraft
• B. 30-36 Aircraft
• C. 25-30 Aircraft
• D. 40-50 Aircraft

Answer: (B)

An LHD’s capacity is driven by its flight deck and internal hangar space, which are sized to support a mixed air group mainly composed of helicopters for assault, transport, medical evacuation, logistics, and some limited fixed-wing aircraft for self-defense or light strike. That combination typically requires space for aircraft, fuel, maintenance, and deck handling, which together yield about 30 aircraft as a practical core capacity. When configurations push for peak lift—using the available deck and hangar for a larger mix of rotorcraft and a few fixed-wing assets—the number can approach the mid-30s. So the range that best reflects both everyday capability and potential maximum is around 30 to 36 aircraft. The smaller ranges under 30 miss out on the ship’s designed lift, while the higher range far exceeds what is safely and routinely managed on this class of ship.