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Wasp-class amphibious assault ship
Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary L. Borden (RELEASED) · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
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Wasp-classamphibiousassaultship

Helicopter Carriers · United States · 1987
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Wasp-classamphibiousassaultship

Wasp-class amphibious assault ship
Wasp-class amphibious assault ship Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary L. Borden (RELEASED) · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Aviation Capacity
60
ASW Capability
45
Versatility
80
Command Facilities
75
Endurance
70
Self-Defence
50
Survivability
65
Speed
40
Technology
70
Cost-Effectiveness
85
Origin United States
ManufacturerIngalls Shipbuilding
CategoryHelicopter Carriers
EraCold War
In service1987
Operators1 countries
Quantity8
Data Quality83%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
63
Helicopter Carriers MASS Rating
2/4
Cold War
8/12
All-Time
Helicopter Carriers · 10 axes scored
Aviation Capacity
60
ASW Capability
45
Versatility
80
Command Facilities
75
Endurance
70
Self-Defence
50
Survivability
65
Speed
40
Technology
70
Cost-Effectiveness
85
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the helicopter carriers category.
01 / Overview
Wasp-class amphibious assault ship
Prime contractor
Production
1987–
Quantity
8
Unit Price (current)
$2.5B↗ 79% inflation · 2002→2025
Original Price
$1.4B (2002)
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
HELICOPTER CARRIERS · COLD WAR
2
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
88
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
$2.5B
Original: $1.4B (2002)
Inflation: +%79
63
helicopter carriers category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the helicopter carriers category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎Identification6MOD.6
  • Hull ClassificationLHD
  • Ship TypeAmphibious assault ship
  • Builder / ShipyardIngalls Shipbuilding
  • Commissioned1989
  • Ships in Class8
  • In ServiceYes
◈Displacement1MOD.1
  • Full Load Displacement41,150 t
▣Dimensions3MOD.3
  • Length (overall)257 m
  • Beam31.8 m
  • Draft8.1 m
◇Complement2MOD.2
  • Total Complement1,070
  • Officers66
◆Propulsion8MOD.8
▤Gun Armament3MOD.3
⬢Missile Armament4MOD.4
▲Underwater Warfare3MOD.3
◎Aviation5MOD.5
◈Sensors & Combat Systems5MOD.5
◇Cost1MOD.1
  • Unit Cost1,370,000,000 USD
◆Fleet Status3MOD.3
  • Completed8
  • Active7
  • Retired1
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1987Production started
  2. 1989Entered service
39
years in service
8
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Inventory1country · 8units
8active
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE9terms
Anti-Submarine Warfare. Capability to detect, track, and engage submarines.
Automated Damage Control is a shipboard system that detects, assesses, and mitigates combat damage on aircraft carriers using sensors and software to enhance response speed and reduce crew workload.
A technique to reduce a ship's magnetic signature by neutralizing its internal magnetic field, minimizing vulnerability to magnetic mines or detection.
Military action involving the use of electromagnetic spectrum to disrupt, deceive, or destroy enemy electronic systems.
The upper deck of an aircraft carrier, equipped for aircraft takeoff, landing, and maintenance operations.
Cruise missiles designed to strike land targets from naval platforms, typically launched from ships or submarines.
A mechanical device that converts steam pressure into rotational energy, used to drive shipboard generators or propulsion systems.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: a remotely piloted or autonomous aircraft used for reconnaissance, surveillance, or combat missions without a human onboard.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Helicopter Carriers entry →