Fincantieri is renowned for its signature naval products, ranging from patrol vessels to aircraft carriers, all of which play a pivotal role in sea power. However, modern navies require more than just classic maritime power products. One of the most versatile vessels in contemporary fleets is the LXD (Landing Ship Dock-Next or its variants), which represents different types of amphibious transport docks, landing platform docks or landing helicopter decks.
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Fincantieri’s experience with LPDs (Landing Platform Docks) began in the late 1980s with the construction of the S. Giorgio, S. Marco, and S. Giusto. The program started by the Italian Navy foresees to replace these vessels with LxD ships, each with a displacement of less than 20,000 tons.
These vessels enabled Fincantieri to acquire essential know-how regarding both optimal design and cost-effective solutions, as well as the operational conditions in which such vessels must operate.
Feedback from the Italian Navy has been instrumental in guiding the optimal design solutions, tailoring the vessels for increased transport, recovery and flight deck capabilities. These improvements are reflected in the design of the LPD “Kalaat Beni Abbes”, delivered to the Algerian Navy in 2014 and the latest design of the Qatari amphibious transport dock “Al Fulk”, delivered to the Qatari Emiri Navy at the end of 2024.
The LXD design aims to provide wide-ranging logistical support, featuring high modularity and flexibility for deployment in contexts of power projection and support for amphibious and special operations in maritime and land environments.
These vessels are designed to support a wide range of missions, from high-intensity combat to humanitarian assistance. They are equipped to launch and recover landing craft (LCACs, LCMs) and amphibious vehicles via a well deck. A recent example of their capabilities is the amphibious transport dock “USS Somerset” (LPD), which carried out at-sea recovery exercises to test procedures, crews and equipment for the Orion capsule, as announced by NASA. The drills, which included helicopter recoveries and onboard medical support, validated the operational procedures, designating “Somerset” as the operational recovery ship for the Artemis II splashdown, scheduled for 2026.
In addition to their amphibious operations, these vessels are equipped with a flight deck and hangar for helicopters, providing substantial aviation support. They also feature advanced suites for amphibious task force or MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) operations, making them capable of carrying and deploying MOship/drones. Their marine lift capability allows them to transport troops, vehicles and cargo efficiently. Furthermore, they are equipped with medical facilities that can support humanitarian and disaster relief missions, offering onboard hospital capabilities.
These vessels are incredibly flexible and have become what the military refers to as a “force multiplier”. They can operate in a wide range of environments and perform various missions, even in the absence of traditional surface combatants. LXDs are also intended to complement LPDs and LHDs by delivering capabilities at lower costs and complexities.
In the current scenario, there is a rising demand for LXDs from various customers. These vessels are capable of operating over long ranges and performing integrated missions with naval forces, making them indispensable assets in modern naval fleets.
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