Catamaran Aircraft Carrier - why/why not?

[NothingNow]

But then again, the OP did ask only for an "aircraft carriers"; nothing about the size. So I suppose if you qualify an LPH as an aircraft carrier, then you've met the requirement. And the Huakai/USNS Guam could qualify in that regard... Bit of a stretch to call a few helo's/VTOL aircraft on a boat a proper carrier though.

Eh, the Spearhead-class are the ones with actual space for helicopters, and I wouldn't call them carriers, since they can only store a blackhawk or seahawk, and that's in pretty primitive conditions.

The Independence-class LCS kinda fit that description though, which fits those derpy little ships surprisingly well, since they can do seemingly everything aside from be an Anti-Air escort.

 

[abc123]

And what about catamaran minesweepers/minehunters? Any advantages/disadvantages?

 

[Shurik]

Eh, the Spearhead-class are the ones with actual space for helicopters, and I wouldn't call them carriers, since they can only store a blackhawk or seahawk, and that's in pretty primitive conditions.

The Independence-class LCS kinda fit that description though, which fits those derpy little ships surprisingly well, since they can do seemingly everything aside from be an Anti-Air escort.

Same with the HSV-2, the "Vomit Comet". But as you pointed out, a helo sitting exposed on an open flight deck hardly qualified as a carrier in a conventional sense.
Which again raises the issue: define "aircraft carrier".
Something big enough to launch/catch non-VTOL aircraft?
Probably not going to happen.

Carrying/Launching any sort of aircraft? Heck, put a Marine in a canoe, with a couple Wasp IIIs or Dragon Eyes, and you've got an aircraft carrier.

And what about catamaran minesweepers/minehunters? Any advantages/disadvantages?

Nothing really stick out in my mind as being an advantage/disadvantage over conventional hulled ships; aside from being more complex to build.

 

[Driftless]

Is this one of those just-because-you-CAN-do-it, doesn't make it a good idea situations?

 

[riggerrob]

How much does a catamaran roll compared with a single-hull?
How much does a catamaran roll compared with a DDH 280? Iroquois class roll 45 degrees in heavy seas.
What are the tallest waves you want to sail in?
How much clearance do you need between the waves and the underside of the bridge?