The LST represents a solution to the problem of transporting troops and armoured vehicles across bodies of water at an economical cost. The large transport capacity means that the ship can transport a significant payload at a much lower cost than an equivalent starship, and this is the main reason for the continued existence of this ship class. Broad hulled and bluff bowed, the LST has ramps fore and aft to facilitate roll-on-roll-off operations from docks and beaches. With a relatively shallow draught, the LST is capable of operating in shallow water, dropping the front ramp and disgorging its cargo of tanks and troops. The LST mounts a number of blaster weapons to provide fire support for landing troops although the lightly armoured hull means that a smart captain will minimise his ship's exposure to hostile heavy weapons. The ship usually operates as part of a task force with armed escorts and combat aircraft carriers to suppress beach defences and reduce the risk if hostile fire damaging it.