MM Cavour (C550) - Italian aircraft carrier and flagship
The flagship of the Italian Navy, the aircraft carrier Cavour commissioned in 2008.
She compliments the older Giuseppe Garibaldi, Italy's former flagship, doubling in size and nearly doubling the capability of her peer.
Italy has sought amphibious and Vertical / Short Take-Off and Landing VSTOL in the Italian Navy's newest carrier. The ship has the capability of holding between 300 and 400 Marines and a few dozen main battle tanks. Giving the Italian's power projection capability in the Mediterranean and beyond. The ramp in the stern of the vessel is rated at 70 tons, giving the ship the capability of transporting nearly all of the armor options in the Italian inventory.
With its array of aircraft on display, the Cavour shows it power. While not comparable to Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) carriers, such as those operated by the United States, the versatility of VSTOL carriers gives the Italians power to deploy assets across the Mediterranian, into nearly all of its former colonial holdings, and support NATO operations.
While currently embarking the AV-8B Harrier II and rotary aircraft, the Cavour is designed for the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter. The addition of a 5th generation STOVL aircraft will greatly increase the capability of the Cavour air detachment.
The harriers are augmented by AEW helos, ASW helos, and SAR helos. Namely the AW101 (EH101) Merlin as seen on the flight deck in the photo.
A video of the F-35B while still in trials with US forces, the Italians are tier 3 partners in the F-35 program.
Current Flight Deck Operations
