Aircraft carrier Trieste

Aircraft carrier Trieste is a Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ship built by Fincantieri for the Italian Navy. The ship is named after the city of Trieste, a major port in the northern Adriatic Sea. The construction of the ship involved collaboration between Fincantieri, Leonardo, and MBDA, with the aim of creating a versatile vessel capable of supporting various military and humanitarian operations, similar to the USS Wasp and HMS Queen Elizabeth. The ship's design is influenced by the Italian Navy's experience with the Giuseppe Garibaldi and Cavour-class aircraft carriers, as well as international cooperation with navies such as the United States Navy and the Royal Navy.

Introduction

The **Aircraft carrier Trieste** is an example of the Italian Navy's efforts to modernize its fleet and enhance its capabilities, following the footsteps of other European navies such as the French Navy and its Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. The ship's construction began in 2014, with the keel laying ceremony taking place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Castellammare di Stabia, near Naples. The ship was launched in 2019 and is expected to enter service in the early 2020s, joining the ranks of other advanced amphibious assault ships like the USS America and HMS Albion. The **Trieste** will be based in Taranto, where it will operate alongside other Italian Navy ships, including the Horizon-class frigates and the Orizzonte-class destroyers.

Design and Construction

The design of the **Aircraft carrier Trieste** is based on the Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) concept, which allows the ship to support both amphibious assault and helicopter operations, similar to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ships and the Mistral-class amphibious assault ships. The ship has a length of over 230 meters and a beam of over 30 meters, with a displacement of around 27,000 tons, making it comparable to other large amphibious ships like the USS Kearsarge and the HMS Ocean. The construction of the ship involved the use of advanced materials and technologies, including stealth technology and composite materials, developed in collaboration with companies like Leonardo and MBDA. The ship's propulsion system is based on a combined diesel and gas (CODOG) arrangement, which provides a high degree of flexibility and efficiency, similar to the propulsion systems used on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and the FREMM multipurpose frigates.

Operational History

The **Aircraft carrier Trieste** is expected to play a key role in the Italian Navy's operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, as well as peacekeeping and crisis management operations, in cooperation with international organizations like the United Nations and the European Union. The ship will be capable of supporting a wide range of aircraft, including helicopters, VTOL aircraft, and STOVL aircraft, such as the F-35B Lightning II and the AV-8B Harrier II, which are also used by the United States Marine Corps and the Royal Air Force. The ship's operational history will be closely tied to the Italian Navy's participation in international operations, such as the NATO-led Operation Active Endeavour and the European Union's Operation Atalanta, which involve cooperation with navies like the United States Navy, the Royal Navy, and the French Navy.

Characteristics

The **Aircraft carrier Trieste** has a number of advanced characteristics, including a flight deck with a length of over 230 meters and a width of over 30 meters, which is comparable to the flight decks of other large aircraft carriers like the USS Nimitz and the HMS Queen Elizabeth. The ship is equipped with a well deck that can accommodate landing craft and other amphibious vehicles, such as the LCAC and the AAV7A1, which are also used by the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. The ship's sensor systems include radar, electronic warfare systems, and communication systems, developed in collaboration with companies like Leonardo and MBDA, which are also used on other advanced warships like the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and the FREMM multipurpose frigates.

Service Record

The **Aircraft carrier Trieste** will enter service with the Italian Navy in the early 2020s, and is expected to play a key role in the navy's operations for many years to come, alongside other advanced warships like the Cavour-class aircraft carriers and the Horizon-class frigates. The ship will be commanded by a highly trained crew, with a strong focus on interoperability with other navies and international organizations, such as the NATO and the European Union. The ship's service record will be marked by its participation in a wide range of operations, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to peacekeeping and crisis management, in cooperation with navies like the United States Navy, the Royal Navy, and the French Navy. The **Trieste** will also be involved in international exercises and operations, such as the NATO-led Operation Active Endeavour and the European Union's Operation Atalanta, which will help to strengthen its capabilities and enhance its reputation as a highly advanced and versatile warship. Category:Aircraft carriers