Is The USS America (LHA-6) Nuclear Powered?

The USS America (LHA-6): A Technological Marvel Without Nuclear Power

The United States Navy is renowned for its dominance in nuclear-powered military vessels, with every aircraft carrier and submarine in its fleet relying on this advanced method of power generation. However, not all Navy ships follow this model. Among the lesser-known yet highly capable vessels is the USS America (LHA-6), the lead ship of the America-class amphibious assault ships. Often mistaken for an aircraft carrier, the USS America is a unique blend of versatility, power, and innovation, operating without nuclear propulsion.

A Different Approach to Power

Unlike the newly developed Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers, the USS America does not rely on nuclear energy. Instead, it is powered by two GE LM2500+ gas turbines, a product of General Electric Aerospace. These marine gas turbines are more than capable of supplying the energy needed to keep the ship operational. The USS America employs a hybrid mechanical-electric propulsion system, supplemented by two 5,000-horsepower auxiliary propulsion motors. This setup allows the ship to sail for over 13,000 miles without the need for refueling, showcasing the efficiency and reliability of its propulsion system.

Impressive Capabilities and Performance

The USS America is one of the most powerful ships of its class, earning its reputation through its impressive capabilities and the skilled sailors who operate its systems. With its dual GE LM2500+ gas turbine engines and auxiliary propulsion motors, the ship can maintain a constant speed of 22 knots (25 mph). Each gas turbine is rated at 35,290 shaft horsepower, enabling this performance despite the vessel’s massive size, which displaces 45,000 tons of seawater.

Measuring nearly 844 feet in length, the USS America can accommodate 1,204 crewmembers and an additional 1,871 troops for amphibious assault landings. Its aviation capabilities are equally impressive, with a wing of strike fighters that allows it to function as an aircraft carrier. The ship supports 12 MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, six F-35B Lightning II joint strike fighters (capable of short takeoff and vertical landing), four AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, four CH-53K King Stallion helicopters, and three UH-1Y Venom utility choppers.

Advanced Defense Systems

The USS America is not just a powerhouse in terms of propulsion and aviation; it is also equipped with a variety of close-in weapon defense systems, missiles, and naval guns. These systems make the ship a formidable and well-defended vessel, capable of handling a wide range of threats. The combination of its advanced propulsion, aviation capabilities, and defense systems makes the USS America a perfect example of how naval technology has evolved alongside nuclear power tech.

The Future of Naval Propulsion

While the USS America could theoretically use nuclear energy, it is not necessary for its mission. Nuclear propulsion would require significant internal space and would dramatically increase costs. Instead, the ship’s gas turbine and hybrid propulsion system provide a more practical and efficient solution. This approach highlights the Navy’s ability to adapt and innovate, ensuring that its vessels remain at the cutting edge of technology without relying solely on nuclear power.

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