The ships are also expected to have, much like the current Forts, a great Aviation-Support capability, with large hangars for multiple helicopters.Uh wow.
Other than this, though, we do not know much about the ship's design yet. However, an interesting concept drawing has appeared, which shows a two-spot flight deck, a triple hangar for Merlin-sized helicopters and, most interestingly, a RoRo ramp for vehicles and a LPD-style well deck. This feature, which has appeared on several designs of "Joint" Solid Support vessels around the world, might be inherited, along with the role of support to troops ashore, from the defunct JSBL. It is too early to say if this project will be the definitive one, but it seems safe to assume that some real consideration is going into giving the SSS a vehicle deck and the possibility to operate with large LCU crafts for the delivery of supplies, vehicles and logistic services to troops ashore. This is important, since the JSBL ship might well have been cancelled, but the requirements that brought to her in the first place are still very much there.
That seems to be quite a bit to slam onto a support ship. A triple hangar? A well deck? A Ro-Ro ramp?
This seems more like a different type of amphib rather than a support ship. Eyes are open on this new style ship that seems to be the rage in Europe and Canada. Less capable than a Mistral but costing about the same, I wonder how they can justify it instead of new Helicopter Carriers (LHD).