Cavour (C552)

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Cavour (C552, formerly Andrea Doria) is an Italian aircraft carrier (CVS). Built by Fincantieri from 2001, Cavour was launched from the Riva Trigoso shipyard in Genoa on July 20, 2004 and is expected to enter service in 2008 after finishing work at Muggiano and Riva Trigoso.

[edit] Description

The ship is designed to combine V/STOL and helicopter air operations, amphibious operations, and the transport of military or civil personnel and heavy vehicles. The 134 metre, 2,500 m² hangar can double as a vehicle hold, fitting up to 24 tanks or many more lighter vehicles, and is fitted with side access ramps as well as two elevators.

She is named after the Italian politician Count Camillo Benso di Cavour. Initially she was to be named after Luigi Einaudi, then after Admiral Andrea Doria. When Cavour becomes operational, it will become the Nuova Unità Maggiore (NUM, or New Main Unit) of the Marina Militare, complementing, and eventually replacing the Giuseppe Garibaldi.

[edit] Specifications

Displacement: 27,100 tonnes (full load)
Dimensions: 244 m × 39 m × 7.5 m
Armament: VLS for 32 Aster-15 SAM, 2 of 76 mm Oto Melara guns, 3 of 25 mm AA
Aircraft: Typical expected Air Group: 20-24 aircraft: 12-16 STOVL fighter/attack aircraft (Boeing AV-8B Harrier II Plus or Lockheed Martin F-35B), 3 airborne surveillance helicopters (AgustaWestland EH-101 Mk.112 AEW/HEW), 4-6 other helicopters for ASW, ASuW, transport, CSAR, Utility/SAR/plane guard/COD/VERTREP (AgustaWestland EH-101, NHIndustries NH-90 or Agusta SH-3D/H in different configurations). Max nominal capacity of 24 aircraft (up to 30 if only helicopters), with hangar space for a min of 12 aircraft (in particular EH-101 helicopters, AV-8B Harrier II Plus or JSF/F-35B fixed-wing aircraft)
Propulsion: 4 × GE/Avio LM2500 COGAG gas turbines at 22,000 kW each, 2 shafts, 120,000 shp = 29 knots maximum, 16 knots economic cruising (7,000 nm range)
Complement: 1,210 max (451 crew + 203 air group + 140 staff + 416 marines)