sancho
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You might turn an LPD to a JSS role but decidedly not the other way around.
That's what you say, because you limit your view on the base that a JSS MUST have ro-ro capability only and no well dock, but that's simply wrong, because it's just a matter of the design of the vessel. And repeating the same, doesn't make it true somehow! You always point to the karel doorman, but there is no technical restiction to add a rear section with well dock to the same design. The Enforcer concept itself has a modular design that has different rear sections with well docks, or simpler ro-ro solutions, that can be applied to several different kinds of vessel designs (LDP, LHD, JSS), just depending on the customer request.
Germany's TKMS had even a JSS concept, based on an LHD design:
The idea is similar to Multi Role Transport Tankers of Air Forces, that have 1 main design, but can be modified internally to suit different roles too (cargo or troop transport, MEDIVAC, or even a mix), either switching to a different role or doing both roles even at the same time. A JSS concept can be made in the same way, if you use one design for the vessel, that can be modified according to the need of the customer. The above concept can be used in peace times as a fleet replenishment tanker in peace times, as an LPD during a disaster, or as an helicopter carrier in ASW roles during war times for example.
JSS only means, that the vessel is aimed to be able to do more roles, but is not limited to a single design as you might think, but it's obvious that the increased capability comes with the downside of increased operational costs. Such a JSS should be costlier to operate in "normal" tanker roles, than a proper Tanker, but that's up to the customer and not to up to the design, that's why a JSS design, where the customer requires a well dock, can always be converted to fully fledged amphibious opertations.
I dnt know much about the difference LPD and LHD.
But what do you both think what is better/Suit IN most. from my point of view IN operate INS Jalaswa LPD that is why they go for LPD.
That's what the RFI suggest as well, but as I said earlier, the requirements IN sent out doesn't specify and could fit to LHDs as well. The same nonsense that they made in the MRMR tender, where the vendors didn't knew if IN want jet engined or turbo prop MPAs, if they want large aircrafts like the P8I or business jet platforms like the EMB 145...or what happend in the MMRCA.
So if the specs make it possible, you can offer different types of vessels / aircrafts that are meant for the same role and the customer can evaluate both to determain what suits them better, or which offer is the best.
My personal point of view is, that IN has a very limited need of amphibious capability and that this is visible in the limited use of INS Jalaswa. That's why I would prefer to combine the LPD tender with the FSS tender and go for a larger number of vessels that combines capabilities for different roles (Joint Support Ships).