harrier carrier

English

Etymology

Blend of harrier +‎ aircraft carrier. From the Hawker-Siddeley Harrier GR.1/2/3 & AV-8A and the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II, the Harrier jump jet named after the harrier bird.

Noun

harrier carrier (plural harrier carriers)

1. (nautical, military, aviation, slang) A small light fast aircraft carrier specialized in operating VTOL aircraft, used for controlling sea lanes, convoy escort, and anti-submarine patrol (ASW).

Synonyms

• lightning carrier

 

Coordinate terms

• amphibious assault ship
• amphibious helicopter dock (AHD)
• ancillary carrier
• ASW carrier
• auxiliary carrier
• aviation cruiser
• commando carrier
• escort carrier
• helicopter carrier
• landing helicopter dock (LHD)
• light carrier
• sea control ship
• ski-jump carrier
• STOL carrier
• VSTOL carrier
• VTOL carrier