Foch/Sao Paulo-class

Summary

Description

The Brazilian aircraft carrier São Paulo, originally named Foch, was a Clemenceau-class ship with a storied history, serving two nations over its operational life. Originally commissioned by the French Navy in 1963, the carrier was sold to Brazil in 2000, where it served as the flagship of the Brazilian fleet until its decommissioning in 2018.

Throughout its service, São Paulo embarked on various missions, including operations ARAEX, PASSEX, and TEMPEREX, which involved training and qualifying pilots in foreign waters, especially those from the Argentine Navy. The ship also played a significant role in training Brazilian pilots in carrier operations, conducting around 500 catapult launches for the qualification and re-qualification of rotary and fixed-wing pilots.

Designed as a conventional CATOBAR carrier, São Paulo was equipped with an array of electronic warfare and decoy systems, along with armament including 100 mm turrets, Crotale EDIR systems, machine guns, and Simbad launchers. It could carry a diverse air group of 39 aircraft, comprising jets like A-4KU Skyhawks and various helicopter models such as AS 532 SC Cougars, HB 350 & HB.355 Ecureuils, and SH-3 Sea Kings.

Operational history highlights include the use of AF-1 Skyhawk fighter planes purchased from Kuwait, which were capable of carrying rockets, free-fall bombs, and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The ship received multiple upgrades to its systems and equipment to enhance capabilities and extend service life.

However, São Paulo faced significant challenges, suffering from serviceability issues that limited operational time without repairs. This culminated in its demobilization announcement in 2017, followed by a failed attempt to scrap it in Turkey due to environmental concerns over hazardous materials onboard. Eventually, the Brazilian Navy scuttled the carrier in the Atlantic Ocean in 2023.

Technical specifications