Cavour-class

Summary

Description

Launched in 2004, the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour serves as the flagship of the Italian Navy. It boasts a multifaceted design that allows for fixed-wing V/STOL aircraft operations, helicopter deployment, command and control tasks, and transportation of military or civilian personnel and vehicles. The carrier features a spacious 2,800 square meter hangar that can accommodate a variety of vehicles, from 24 main battle tanks to over 100 Iveco LMVs. It is further equipped with heavy-duty access ramps and two aircraft elevators, making it suited for use as a landing platform for helicopters and transporting a contingent of up to 325 marines, with the option to increase this number.

The vessel has a normal displacement of 27,900 tons, which increases beyond 30,000 tons when fully loaded for military operations. To bolster its capabilities, it operates alongside Italy's other carrier, the Giuseppe Garibaldi. Part of its modernization plan includes replacing its 16 Harrier jets with 15 F-35B Lightning IIs, a more advanced fighter aircraft. As of May 2020, upgrades to accommodate the F-35B have been completed, with room for ten in the hangar and an additional six on the flight deck.

Cavour's construction began in June 2001 at the Fincantieri shipyards and was launched in July 2004. The sea trials commenced in December 2006, leading up to its commissioning in March 2008, followed by the attainment of full operational capability in June 2009.

In its operational history, Cavour's first mission was a humanitarian one – Operation White Crane – where it provided disaster relief following the 2010 Haiti earthquake. This underpinned the carrier’s versatile role in both combat and non-combat missions. The modernization works on Cavour concluded in 2020, after which the carrier was slated for trials with the F-35B STOVL fighters in the United States. Throughout February and March 2021, the carrier underwent extensive evaluations to determine the compatibility and operational envelope of the F-35B, involving US-based testing facilities and personnel.

Cavour is projected to achieve initial operating capability in 2024. In the lead-up to these capabilities, the vessel engaged in interoperability training operations in February 2022. By October 2023, Cavour is found docked at Civitavecchia, near Rome, embodying Italy's maritime strength and flexibility in both national and allied operations.

Technical specifications