|
   |
|
| SPECIFICATIONS | PHOTOGRAPHS (Click on the pictures for an enlarged photo) |
 Designation: CVL Length: 590 ft Width: 108 ft Beam: 98 ft Displacement: 13,000 tons Propulsion: 4 LM2500 gas turbines (COGAG), 2 shafts Speed: 30 knots Crew: 780 Airwing: 18 VSTOL, rotary - 2 X 8 Aspide SAM - 2 X 4 Otomat SSM - 6 X 40mm guns - 3 X 2 324mm torpedoes Elevators: 2 Ships in class: 1 MM Garibaldi C551The MM Garibaldi (C551) was commissioned in 1985 and started its life as the world smallest aircraft carrier. That distinction has since passed to the Thai carrier, the Naruebet. The Garibaldi was built particularly for antisubmarine warfare (ASW) operations, carrying mainly helicopters for that task and a light load of VSTOL Harrier aircraft for fleet defense. Since its commission, however, the Garibaldi has proven the equal of a number of tasks in addition to ASW work, including command and control of naval and naval air forces, area surveillance, convoy escort, support of commando and amphibious operations, fleet logistic support, and humanitarian aid. With its strong command and control facilities, which have been upgraded significantly over the years, the Garibaldi has taken its position as the flagship of the Italian Navy, where it will remain until after the commissioning and sea trials of the next generation Italian aircraft carrier, MM Cavour C552 in 2008. The the forward portion of the Garibaldi's flight deck rises to a ski ramp of about 4°. The ship can accommodate up to 18 helicopters, like the Agusta Sikorsky SH-3D Sea King or the Agusta Bell AB212. Alternatively the ship can accommodate 16 AV-8B Harrier II aircraft, or a mix of helicopter and Harriers. The vessel's flight deck has been upgraded to allow operations with the EH101 helicopter, in service with the Italian Navy |
     
|
 |
View Guestbook | LINKS OF INTEREST | Sign Guestbook |
|
Copyright © 2005-2012 by Jeff Head |
JEFFHEAD.COM Hit Counter
World-wide Aircraft Carrier Hit Counter