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Cavour Aircraft Carrier

Cavour Aircraft Carrier

Manufacturer: Fincantieri
Category: Aircraft Carriers
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Large Flight Deck Full-length deck with STOVL operations
Onboard Air Wing F-35B, ASW, AEW, and transport helicopters
Advanced Command & Control Integrated CMS and CIC
Defensive Weapon Systems CIWS, SAMs, EW suite

Full Specifications

1. Physical Characteristics

Ship Type	Aircraft Carrier
Class	Cavour-class
Length	244 m
Beam (Width)	39 m
Flight Deck Width	37 m
Draft	8.6 m
Displacement (Full Load)	27,000 tons

2. Propulsion & Performance

Propulsion Type	Conventional (Diesel/Gas Turbine)
Powerplant	2 Gas turbines + 2 Diesel engines
Shafts	2
Maximum Speed	28+ knots
Range	7,000+ nm
Endurance	45–60 days at sea

3. Flight Operations

Aircraft Launch System	STOVL
Catapult Type	N/A
Recovery System	Arresting gear for STOVL
Total Aircraft Capacity	16–20 aircraft
Hangar Capacity	Full-length hangar
Aircraft Types Supported	F-35B, ASW helos, AEW helos

4. Sensors & Electronics

Primary Radar	3D surveillance / AESA
Navigation Radar	Naval standard
Fire Control Radar	Air defense & CIWS support
Electronic Warfare Suite	ESM/ECM
Communication Systems	SATCOM, NATO data links

5. Weapons & Defense Systems

CIWS	2 × Oto Melara / 2 × CIWS
Short-Range SAMs	Aster 15 / 16
Missile Launchers	Surface-defense only
Decoy Systems	Chaff & flare launchers

6. Command & Control

Combat Management System	Integrated CMS
Combat Information Center (CIC)	Central hub
Air Operations Center	Manages flight ops
Data Links	SATCOM & tactical links

7. Crew & Capacity

Ship Crew	550–600 personnel
Air Wing Personnel	150–200
Total Complement	700–800+

8. Construction & Cost

Shipbuilder/Manufacturer	Fincantieri, Italy
Construction Started	2001
Commissioned	2008
Estimated Cost	~$1.3B

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.3

Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 7 / 10
Payload Capacity 7 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 7 / 10

PROS

Supports F-35B and multiple helicopter types
Modern command, control, and communication systems
Versatile multi-role operational capabilities
Advanced defensive and electronic warfare systems
Compact design ideal for Mediterranean operations

CONS

Smaller air wing compared to U.S./UK carriers
Limited range compared to nuclear-powered carriers
Reliant on allied support for extended operations
Vulnerable to modern anti-ship missile threats
High operational and maintenance costs

Cavour Aircraft Carrier – Italy’s Naval Power Hub

Designed for both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, the Cavour supports STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) fighters such as the F-35B Lightning II, along with a variety of helicopters for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), search and rescue (SAR), and airborne early warning (AEW). Its large flight deck, integrated elevators, and hangar facilities allow for rapid aircraft deployment and recovery, maximizing operational flexibility.

Equipped with modern command and control systems, the carrier can coordinate complex naval operations while integrating seamlessly with NATO and allied forces. Defensive systems include CIWS and short-range SAMs to protect against aerial threats, along with advanced electronic warfare suites to counter modern missile and radar-guided attacks.

With a full-load displacement of approximately 27,000 tons, Cavour can operate continuously for 45–60 days with a top speed exceeding 28 knots. Its versatility extends beyond combat, enabling disaster relief, medical missions, and maritime security operations. The ship’s modern sensors, radar arrays, and satellite communication capabilities ensure situational awareness across air, surface, and subsurface domains.

The Cavour Aircraft Carrier exemplifies Italy’s naval modernization, offering a compact yet highly capable platform that balances power projection with operational efficiency. Its ability to deploy advanced STOVL fighters, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles makes it a critical asset for NATO operations in the Mediterranean and beyond.

Cavour Aircraft Carrier Price

The Cavour Aircraft Carrier stands as the flagship of the Italian Navy, representing Italy’s strategic power projection and maritime versatility. Built by Fincantieri, this conventionally powered aircraft carrier was commissioned in 2008 and serves as a multi-role platform for air operations, amphibious missions, and humanitarian support.

Reviews

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Performance:

8
Maintenance Efficiency:

8
Payload Capacity:

8
Reliability & Maintenance:

8
Average Rating 6 / 10 based on your selection

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