Launch of the Aircraft Carrier “Cavour”
(Source: Fincantieri; dated July 21, 2004)
The Head of the State, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, and the Minister of the Defence, Antonio Martino, attended the ceremony held today at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Riva Trigoso (Genoa) to mark the launch of the aircraft carrier, the “Cavour”, which was ordered by the Italian Navy in November 2000.
Also present at the ceremony were the Chief of Staff of the Defence, Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola, the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral Sergio Biraghi. Fincantieri was represented by its Chairman, Corrado Antonini, its Deputy Chairman, Roberto Tana and its Chief Executive Officer, Giuseppe Bono. The ship’s godmother was Mrs Antonella Augusta di San Martino di San Germano and the vessel was blessed by the Archbishop of Genoa, H.E. Tarcisio Bertone.
Through the “Cavour”, a cutting edge, high tech vessel which is a key element in Italy’s fleet renewal programme, Fincantieri has further strengthened its long-standing, close relationship with the Navy.
The ship, which has a displacement at full load of 27,100 tonnes, an overall length of 244 metres, a maximum beam of 39 metres, a draught of 8.7 metres and a sustained speed of 28 knots, will have a range of 7,000 nautical miles at 16 knots, equivalent to approximately 18 days sailing, which will enable her to carry out long range operations.
The propulsion plant of the “Cavour”– with four General Electric–Avio turbines generating 88,000 kW — is the most powerful non nuclear plant to be built in the world in recent decades.
The “Cavour” can accommodate up to 1,210 people – ship’s complement (451), aircrew (203), amphibious command task force (140), and San Marco Battalion (325), with space for an extra 91 troops if required.
The aircraft carrier, which Fincantieri started building in summer 2001 for delivery in 2007, will mainly carry out air operations; her hangar will also be able to accommodate land vehicles and will be equipped with access ramps for wheeled and tracked vehicles, both for military and civilian missions. The vessel will also be able to embark the full range of aircraft types used by the Navy: helicopters (EH 101, NH 90 and SH 3D) and fixed-winf aircraft (AV-8B and, in future, Joint Strike Fighters).
In building the vessel Fincantieri drew greatly on the company’s experience in merchant shipbuilding where the company is a world leader in the field of cruise ships and large ferries. Transfer of dual knowledge and expertise gained both in the naval and in the merchant field leads to important synergies and is considered one of the company’s pillars of strength.
In addition to the “Cavour,”, Fincantieri’s Naval Vessel Business Unit is also building for the Italian Navy two class U212A submarines, within the framework of an Italian-German programme, and two “Orizzonte” class frigates within a joint Italian-French project.
By: Arabella-Cox - 8th October 2004 at 21:13
The claim the she will only be able to carry 8 V/STOL aircraft is obviously wrong and I suspect the result of Italian politics (much like European destroyers are called frigates). If you remember back Giuseppe Garibaldi was only supposed to carry helicopter, but with its 13,850t full load it now carries around 16 Harriers/helicopter.
Cavour, when completed, will displace 27,100t full load and although it has some sealift capacity its primary role will be as an aircraft carrier. It doesn’t have a docking well and is more like a large Invincible class vessel than a smaller Wasp/Tawara.
I estimate that she will be able to carry 20+ Harriers (although the MM don’t have that many) and a handfull of helicopters or 15-20 JSF and a handfull of helicopters when the time comes. Foldable wings on the F-35B version would have increased the possible number (due to hangar width), but c’est la vie.
They are planning (or building already?) a 26,900t full load LHD with a skijump.
It was designed for 16 AB-212 (hangar-deck-size) A mix of Harrier/helicopter is lower. The Harrier consumes more space than an AB-212.
There is also no sense to carry more on deck. To create usefull missions (ordonance) and have some combat persistence, when it comes to resupply needs and servicing some thousand miles off-coast Italy. 🙂
By: Arabella-Cox - 8th October 2004 at 18:06
I think it looks like a larger and more modern vesion of the British Invincible class.
By: juan martin - 8th October 2004 at 17:41
i never saw a aircraf carrier like thay,i like it,ist s a good ship
By: Arabella-Cox - 29th September 2004 at 16:35
The claim the she will only be able to carry 8 V/STOL aircraft is obviously wrong and I suspect the result of Italian politics (much like European destroyers are called frigates). If you remember back Giuseppe Garibaldi was only supposed to carry helicopter, but with its 13,850t full load it now carries around 16 Harriers/helicopter.
Cavour, when completed, will displace 27,100t full load and although it has some sealift capacity its primary role will be as an aircraft carrier. It doesn’t have a docking well and is more like a large Invincible class vessel than a smaller Wasp/Tawara.
I estimate that she will be able to carry 20+ Harriers (although the MM don’t have that many) and a handfull of helicopters or 15-20 JSF and a handfull of helicopters when the time comes. Foldable wings on the F-35B version would have increased the possible number (due to hangar width), but c’est la vie.
Also, does Spain plan on any building a larger carrier at this point? :confused:
They are planning (or building already?) a 26,900t full load LHD with a skijump.
By: Arabella-Cox - 21st September 2004 at 18:29
Similar to LH Tarawa class in size. Looks like an usefull asset.
By: Ja Worsley - 21st September 2004 at 17:56
A full ski jump bow might look good but by having a offset ski jump ramp you gain a lot of deck space for aircraft handling and parking.
This I know mate, but what I can’t stand it the unused sapce under the ramp, most of the ramps are hollow andf the space under them could be used to store things like paint, ropes or little things like that!
By: SteveO - 21st September 2004 at 17:33
Thanks fightingirish, excellent site.
Ja Worsley
A full ski jump bow might look good but by having a offset ski jump ramp you gain a lot of deck space for aircraft handling and parking.
By: Ja Worsley - 21st September 2004 at 13:18
Facinating story, I thought that they were going to name it something else, but Cavor is really good. Still wondering how they are going to join the bow to the rest of the ship after launching
**aditional**
Interesting, back in 96 they even studied a copy of the Spanish PdA, to mee that ship makes a lot of sence, the ramp occupies the whole of the front deck, not like just about every other carrier design where it looks like it’s been added
By: fightingirish - 21st September 2004 at 11:43
By: Arabella-Cox - 2nd September 2004 at 02:07
More than likely 8 in peacetime and 12 in wartime……
By: Aurel - 1st September 2004 at 21:50
All reports I read about the Cavour mentionend a maximum of 8 Harrier II’s, and later on JSF. With it’s transportcapabilities I wouldn’t say it is a carrier. It remembers me more on a LHD.
By: Arabella-Cox - 1st September 2004 at 20:44
I hope the new Italian assult-ship is designed to keep the much heavier F-35B.
12,2-22,3 to, when the Harrier is 6-14 to.
By: Arabella-Cox - 1st September 2004 at 20:12
The USAF is going to buy both the CTOL F-35A and VTOL F-35B. Further, the USAF has express interest in the larger wing of the F-35C for its landbased version on the F-35A! Who knows maybe the USMC will do the same? Remember, that the JSF is suppose to replace both the F/A-18C-D Hornet (CV) and (VTOL) AV-8B-B+ in USMC service………. 😀
By: Arabella-Cox - 1st September 2004 at 18:51
The F-35B is the VTOL version for the USMC. (similar to Harrier)
The F-35A is USAF.
The F-35C is the carrier version of the USN.
By: Srbin - 31st August 2004 at 03:32
6-8? That’s rather very small. If it could accomodate at least 13+ then it would be ok I guess.
By: MarocMirage - 30th August 2004 at 21:59
The F-35B is the naval version of the JSF/F-35. It is different from the standard F-35 cuz its designed to be carrier capable…
What the future holds… 😀
By: PILOTGHT - 24th August 2004 at 13:56
lol
aircrafts carriers! uhmmm
i mean airplanes carriers! if this poor F35B is released one day!
i still can’t define the F35B, a helo? a airplane? ???
By: GDL - 24th August 2004 at 12:50
The new Italian carrier as far I know would operate 6-8 STOVL jets along with a section of helos. The Spanish building a bigger carrier? Nothing on the horizon.
By: Arabella-Cox - 22nd August 2004 at 00:33
Sameer,
The new Italian will be operating STOVL types only, i.e. F-35B in time one would expect. Single runway, and a ski jump.
What is the size and make up of the AirWing for the Italian Carrier? Also, does Spain plan on any building a larger carrier at this point? :confused:
By: dreadnought - 13th August 2004 at 10:02
italy got more then enough harriers, GG isn’t a big ship (well it’s one of the smallest carriers in service) and can’t carry alot of harriers to start with, besides these ships will rotate
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July 29, 2004 at 11:55 pm
