What are the characteristics of the hull structure design of the amphibious dock landing ship San Antonio?

The hull structure design of this class ship is different from the traditional amphibious ship. The shape of the ship is similar to that of a frigate with a forecastle and an Alli Burke-class destroyer. The hull is simplified as much as possible to reduce the complexity of the structure, and the complicated curved platform section is removed to maximize the length of the parallel bilge, and the stern is in the form of a middle circle. The deck in the middle and front of the hull is a large superstructure; At the back of the hull is the dock, and the flight deck above is equipped with two helicopters and landing points for vertical/short takeoff and landing aircraft. This design is basically the same as other dock landing ships and dock transport ships, but the hull size is much larger than Austin-class dock transport ships, and the full-load displacement is nearly 50% larger;

The superstructure is larger than the improved "Whidbey Island" class dock landing ship. Considering the adaptability of landing operations, the maximum draft remained basically unchanged. The main dimensions of the ship also take into account the requirements of passing through the Panama Canal. The design of the ship pays attention to vehicle transportation, and the vehicle deck occupies three floors below the middle deck, with an area of 2,360m2, so the transportation capacity of the air-cushion landing craft is somewhat affected, which is smaller than that of "Whidbey Island" and "Bumblebee" class amphibious assault ship. The design of the dock is similar to the "wasp" class, but the vehicle deck is enlarged and the dock area is relatively reduced. This class of ship improves the anti-impact and bulletproof ability of the ship, strengthens the watertight cabin structure, and reserves the anti-destruction margin in the vulnerable parts, thus improving the overall survivability of the ship.

This class of ships especially emphasizes stealth, and takes the lead in adopting radar stealth measures and advanced anti-detection technology in amphibious warships. The radar reflection cross section is only equivalent to a small ship below 1000 tons. The appearance of the whole ship is smooth and smooth, the superstructure is low, the side walls are inclined inward, and the intersection adopts arc transition; Exposed tailgate, hangar door, crane, offshore supply column, antenna base, etc. All adopt the shape of reducing the cross-sectional area of radar.