Principe de Asturias (R 11) Aircraft Carrier (1988)
The Principe de Asturias operates as the flagship of the Spanish Navy and support the Harrier II series of jump jet aircraft.
Design is of a conventional one, with an island superstructure located starboard and aft of amidships. Her superstructure is dominated by a massive array of antenna and sensors. The most distinct visual identifier of the type is in the single straight flight deck which angles up at the bow in what is generally referred to as a "ski jump", angled at some 12 degrees. This type of angled deck served vitally in short take-off operations of the native aircraft onboard. Her air group consists of the AV-8B Harrier II VTOL jump jet aircraft and is further augmented by a series of helicopters used in search and rescue, observation and reconnaissance, anti-submarine / anti-ship operations and airborne early warning operations. The carrier can carry can field a total of 29 aircraft as needed.
Being a conventionally-powered system, the Principe de Asturias relies on twin General Electric brand LM2500+ gas turbine engines in a COGAG (COmbined Gas And Gas) configuration. This mechanical configuration basically implies that two gas turbines are connected and powering a single propeller shaft allowing for both or a single turbine to power the single shaft. The system also allows for greater fuel efficiency. The Principe de Asturias is protected by a battery of 4 x FABA Meroka Mod 2B Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) and a further 12 x 20mm Oerlikon L120 cannons. Her systems and sensors consist of various search radars, control radars, laser designation radars and electronic countermeasures. A crew of 600 sailors make up the standard complement with an additional 230 airmen making up the air group.
The Principe de Asturias was first ordered in 1977 and laid down in 1979 by Bazan's Shipyards. She was launched in 1982 and officially commissioned in 1988 making her homeport out of Rota Naval Air Base. As of this writing she is currently in active service with the Spanish Navy. The name "Principe of Asturias" (or "Prince of Asturias") is a Spanish title generally passed along to the heir of the Spanish throne. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Principe de Asturias (R 11)
Aircraft Carrier
Country of Origin: Spain
Initial Year of Service: 1988
Operators: Spain
Crew: 830
Length: 646.32ft (197.00m)
Beam: 79.72ft (24.30m)
Draught: 30.84ft (9.40m)
Displacement: 17,190tons
Machinery: 2 x General Electric LM2500+ gas turbines (COGAG configuration)
Surface Speed: 27kts (31mph)
Range: 7,456miles (11,999km)
Armament:
4 x FABA Meroka Mod 2B CIWS (Close-In Weapon System)
12 x 20mm Oerlikon L120 cannons
Air Arm: 29 aircraft ofr various types including helicopters and AV-8B Harrier II (Bravo or Plus types) fighter-bombers. Helicopters include Sikorsky Sea King SH-3H, Agusta AB-212 and Sikorsky SH-3 AEW types.
Ship Class: Principe de Asturias
Number-in-Class: 1
Ships-in-Class: Principe de Asturias
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