LHA/LHD Midlife

The LHA/LHD Midlife program is a comprehensive modernization initiative within the Department of the Navy's FY 2026 budget. It is aimed at upgrading in-service Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) and Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) class ships. The primary goal is to ensure these amphibious assault ships remain operationally relevant, reliable, and capable of supporting current and future mission requirements. The program focuses on the procurement and installation of advanced systems across Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E), interior communications, cybersecurity, and aviation integration domains. Funding supports a range of modernization and integration activities.

Key objectives of the LHA/LHD Midlife line item include the replacement of obsolete and unsupported equipment, reduction of maintenance costs, and enhancement of shipboard capabilities. Major modernization efforts encompass the procurement and installation of Brushless Generators, Power Management Platforms (PMP), Main Feed Pumps, Propulsion and Auxiliary Control Systems (PACS), Ballast and DC Consoles, High Efficiency Super Capacity (HES-C) Chillers, and Modular Refrigeration Systems. These upgrades are intended to improve system reliability, reduce downtime, and align LHA/LHD ships with the latest Navy standards for interoperability and cybersecurity.

The Machinery Control System (MCS) upgrade is designed to replace obsolete hardware and software, specifically the unsupported Versa Module Europa (VME) server running Windows XP. The new system leverages Versatile Performance Switching (VPX) servers with Windows 10 or newer, providing improved bandwidth and cybersecurity features for the control of 37 vital engineering systems. This ensures flexibility for future capability growth and compliance with evolving cybersecurity requirements.

The Power Management Platform (PMP) modernization converts legacy analog electric plant controls to a digital automated system, improving redundancy, operational efficiency, and reducing electrical system transients. The PMP also introduces a Zero Power Transfer (ZPT) strategy, which minimizes stress on electrical breakers and enhances overall reliability. During installation, obsolete switchboard breakers are replaced with commercial off-the-shelf circuit breakers, increasing fleet commonality and reducing maintenance.

The Brushless Generator replacement addresses reliability and obsolescence issues associated with older brush-type generators. By upgrading to brushless technology, the Navy expects to reduce both shipboard and depot-level maintenance requirements, while increasing the operational availability of the electric plant. The Main Feed Pump replacement similarly addresses obsolescence by installing modern, industry-supported pumps with electronic automatic boiler controls. This improves reliability and aligns with other ship classes.

Other significant objectives include the Ballast and DC Console upgrade, which supports ship stability and damage control. The Ship Control System (SCS-GOV) modernization replaces analog systems with digital controls to address obsolescence and standardize hardware and software across the fleet. The High Efficiency Super Capacity (HES-C) Chiller is a new start in FY 2026, increasing cooling capacity to support critical combat system operations and improving energy efficiency.

Communications and information systems are also a focus, with upgrades to the HYDRA wireless communication system, Amplified Announcing System, Digital Defense Communications Subsystem (DCSS), Integrated Communication Terminals (ICT), Integrated Voice Network (IVN), and Integrated Voice Communications Network (IVCN). These initiatives replace legacy analog and obsolete systems with digital, networked solutions. The upgrades enhance internal and external communications, support USMC operational requirements, and improve safety and survivability during shipboard operations. These objectives aim to extend the service life of LHA/LHD ships, reduce total ownership costs, and ensure continued support for joint and coalition operations.