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With the retirement of the ex-French Foch aircraft carrier, BNS Sao Paulo (A12), in November of 2018, the Brazilian Navy was left without an aircraft carrier and a flagship. This was remedied by the acquisition of the ex-Royal Navy HMS Ocean helicopter carrier, which became BNS Antlatico (A140) in Brazilian Navy service. The purchase was completed on February 19th, 2018 following decommissioning of HMS Ocean from the inventory of the British Royal Navy and BNS Atlantico began formal operations with the Brazilian Navy on June 29th, 2018. The warship homeports out of Arsenal de Marinha do Rio de Janeiro and carries pennant number "A140".

Atlantico is classified as a "Multi-Purpose Aircraft Carrier" but is more or less a helicopter carrier - her air wing is limited to rotary-wing types of light, medium, and attack classifications and no fixed-wing aircraft are supported. Up to eighteen helicopters can be carried about the ship, either on her flight deck or within her hangar spaces. Dimensions of the vessel include a running length of 667 feet, a beam of 115 feet, and a draught of 21 feet. The relatively shallow draught allows her to operate within striking distance of shorelines, suitable for amphibious assault support operations.

Internally, power is from 2 x Crossley Pielstick 12-cylinder diesel engines driving 2 x Shafts astern. This provides the ship with an ocean-going speed of 18 knots under ideal conditions (cruising is closer to 10 knots) with a range out to 8,000 miles.

The warship is cleared to carry up to 830 combat-ready troops along with forty military vehicles (housed on the vehicle deck) and an air wing of 180 personnel in addition to the typical 285 operating crew complement. The vessel is equipped to support ship-to-shore operations and beyond, outfitted with Type 997 "Artisan" radar, Type 1008 navigational radar, and 2 x Type 1007 Aircraft Control Radar (ACR). Electronic Warfare (EW) is handled through the UAT Electronic Support Measures (ESMs) system.

Its primary weapons scheme is largely defensive, led by 4 x 30mm DS30M Mk.2 series automatic guns in turret emplacements. Beyond this are 4 x 7.62mm minigun weapons and up to 8 x 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs). Prior to its transfer to the Brazilian Navy, the warship (as HMS Ocean) had its 3 x 20mm Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWSs) removed.

Supported helicopter types include the Sikorsky S-70B "Seahawk" navalized helicopter, the Airbus Helicopters EC725 "Caracal" series, and the AS350 "Ecureuil" line. In British Royal Navy service, HMS Ocean also operated AH-64 "Apache" attack helicopters from her decks putting this capability within reach for the Brazilian Navy. Helicopters are operated from the flight deck via hangar elevators/lifts.

As Atlantico's entry into service has been relatively recently had, her career while sailing under the Brazilian flag has yet to be fully written.©MilitaryFactory.com

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