HTMS Chakri Naruebet
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 HTMS Chakri Naruebet in 2001 |
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| Career (Thailand) |  |
|---|---|
| Laid down: | 12 July 1994 |
| Launched: | 20 January 1996 |
| Commissioned: | 10 August 1997 |
| Motto: | Occupy The Sky, Occupy The Sea, Chakri Naruebet. (ครองเวหา ครองนที จักรีนฤเบศร) |
| Fate: | Active |
| Badge: |  |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement: | 10,000 tons standard 11,486 tons maximum |
| Length: | 182.6 m (597.30 ft) |
| Beam: | 21.9 m (69.20 ft) |
| Draught: | 6.2 m (19.76 ft) |
| Propulsion: | 2 diesels, 11,200 bhp (8350 kW) 2 GE LM2500 gas turbines, 2 shafts, 44,250 hp (32,997 kW) |
| Speed: | 26.2 knots (49 km/h) |
| Range: | Est. 10,000 nautical miles (20,000 km) at 12 knots (22 km/h) |
| Complement: | 455 ship 146 air group 675 troop transport |
| Sensors and processing systems: |
Raytheon AN/SPS-52C 3-D medium range air search radar, Kelvin Hughes navigation and helicopter control radar, Kelvin Hughes I-band navigation radar |
| Armament: | 3 x Mistral SAM launchers, 2 x 12.7 mm MG |
| Aircraft carried: | 174.6 m x 27.5 m flight deck with a 12° ski jump 6 AV-8S Harriers, 4 S-70B Seahawks [1] |
The Chakri Naruebet (Thai จักรีนฤเบศร) is Thailand's first and only aircraft carrier.
It is based on the Spanish carrier Principe de Asturias and was built in Ferrol, Spain, by Spanish shipbuilders Izar (EN Bazan) between 1994-1996. It was delivered to Thailand in 1997. The ship is largely inactive due to a shortage of funds after the Asian financial crisis. However the ship has participated in training, and in disaster relief after the 2004 tsunami. The carrier's main role is Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance and search and rescue.
It is the smallest serving aircraft carrier in the world.
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[edit] History
When typhoon Gay hit Thailand in 1989, the Royal Thai Navy, as the main unit responsible for search and rescue missions found that its ships and aircraft were unable to withstand the rough weather at sea. Moreover, the Royal Thai Navy needed a new, high-technology ship to modernize its fleet.
To achieve this goal, Royal Thai Navy selected (EN Bazan), a Spanish company, to build a helicopter carrier with a budget of seven billion baht ($175 million).
The name "Chakri Naruebet" was given by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It means "the sovereign of the Chakri Dynasty."
The first generation AV-8S Harrier group supplied with Chakri Naruebet is over thirty years old and spare parts are becoming very difficult to find so in recent years they have rarely been deployed. [2] Main anti-aircraft missile systems were never installed and this ship is rarely put to sea. In its current state many military commentators consider it more a national prestige vessel rather than a serious V/STOL amphibious warfare capable carrier.[3]
[edit] Roles
[edit] Peace Time
- Disaster relief.
- Search and rescue.
- Evacuation of Thai citizens.
- Environmental conservation.
[edit] Wartime
- Flagship of the fleet.
- Air defense missions.
- Surface defence missions.
- Anti-submarine warfare.
- Military operation support.
[edit] Popular culture
- The 2006 Thai film, Nam Prig Lhong Rua, a comedy involving some bumbling Royal Thai Navy commandos, used the HTMS Chakri Naruebet to film some ceremonial scenes.[citation needed] The ship was also featured in the film Mercury Man.[citation needed]
[edit] References
- Haze Gray & Underway World Aircraft Carriers list, Thailand
- Saunders, Stephen (editor). Jane's Fighting Ships Vol. 110, 2007-2008. Coulsdon: Jane’s Information Group.
[edit] External links
[edit] Gallery
 Chakri Naruebet at sea in 2001 |
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