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| SPECIFICATIONS | PHOTOGRAPHS (Click on the pictures for an enlarged photo) |
 Designation: LHD Length: 755 ft Width: 107 ft Beam: 97 ft Displacement: 27,000 tons Propulsion: 2 gas turbines, 2 Electrical PODS Speed: 24 knots Crew: 1,450 Airwing: 30 VSTOL, rotary Armament: - 1 X ESSM or RAM Missile System - 4 X 20mm Oerlikon CIWS Elevators: 2 Ships in class: 1 Juan Carlos IThe new Spanish Strategic Projection carrier, the L61, Juan Carlos I, started construction in May 2005 and was launched on March 10, 2008. She will be commissioned in 2009. The vessel is meant to be a multi-role vessel suited for either the Sea Control role with VSTOL aircraft, or the Amphibious Assault role with helicopters, air cushion craft, landing craft and supporting VSTOL attack aircraft. In the Sea Control role the vessel will be able to carry up to thirty aircraft, though the normal airwing would consist of 22. In the Amphibious assault role, the vessel will be able to land up to 900 troops and all of their equipment through air and/or sea assault, carrrying a mixed airwing of 22 helicopters and VSTOL aircraft. The vessel is intended to be complimentary to the current Principe de Asturia carrier and not replace it. The revolutionary propulsion system for the vessel (similar to the French Navy's Mistral Class of LPH) requires no shafts, instead using electrically driven POD devices for both props, thereby also eliminating conventional rudder systems, the PODs acting in that role as well. Combined with the Principe de Asturias carrier and the F100 AEGIS frigates the Spanish have built to protect them, the Spanish Navy will, with this larger carrier have developed into a significant regional force capable of projecting Spanish interests and protecting sea lanes around the world. |
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