LxD-class amphibious warfare ship

{{Infobox ship begin|sclass=2}}

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{{Infobox ship class overview

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| Builders = Fincantieri

| Operators = {{naval|Italy}}

| Class before = {{sclass|San Giorgio|amphibious transport dock|4}}

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| Cost = {{ShipCost|FRA|1.2|b|year=2023|r=1}} for 2 ships

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| Total ships planned = 2 (+1)

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{{Infobox ship characteristics

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| Ship type = Amphibious warfare ship

| Ship displacement = {{convert|16,500|t|LT|abbr=on|lk=in}} full load

| Ship length = {{cvt|160|m|ftin}}

| Ship beam = {{cvt|29|m|ftin}}

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| Ship speed = {{convert|20|kn}}

| Ship range = {{convert|7000|nmi}}

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| Ship boats = 2* {{sclass|LC23|landing craft}}

| Ship capacity =

| Ship troops = 360

| Ship complement =

| Ship crew = 200

| Ship sensors = 1 x Leonardo Kronos Power Shield, AESA LRR L-band radar

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| Ship aircraft = NH90 or EH-101

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The LxD is an initiative by the Italian Navy to procure a series of two amphibious warfare ships (with the option for a third vessel) as a replacement for the aging {{sclass|San Giorgio|amphibious transport dock|4}}.

History

The Italian Navy received the approval in 2010 to procure two 20,000-ton {{convert|190|m|ftin|adj=on}} long amphibious assault ships (landing helicopter dock), with the possibility of a third ship, configured with extensive aviation facilities (landing helicopter assault).{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceiq.com/article.cfm?externalid=2725 |title=Italy Paves the Way for New Amphibious Assault Vessels |publisher=Defence IQ |date=19 July 2010 |access-date=31 July 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229095101/http://defenceiq.com/article.cfm?externalID=2725 |archive-date=29 December 2010 |df=dmy-all }}

In more recent designs the ships are shown as 16,500-ton {{convert|160|m|ft|adj=on}} landing platform docks with two helicopter landing spots on the aft deck.{{cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/07/onwards-and-forwards-italian-navy-program-update/ |title=Onwards And Forwards – Italian Navy Program Update |publisher=Naval News |date=11 July 2023 |access-date=31 July 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/05/15/italys-new-warships-will-boast-bigger-bellies-for-landing-forces/ |title=Italy’s new warships will boast bigger bellies for landing forces |publisher=Defense News |date=15 May 2023 |access-date=31 July 2023}} The first two ships are expected to enter service from 2028 to 2030. If the option is taken, the third ship will enter service after 2031.{{cite web|url=https://inf.news/en/military/f5064bb88826cdf3a42430d4de39a4bb.html |title=The Italian Navy plans to purchase three new 16,500-ton amphibious ships |publisher=INF News |date= |access-date=31 July 2023}}

References