Minas Gerais (HMS Colossus class) light strike/ASW aircraft carrier

Displacement: 19,900 tons full load
Dimensions: 630 x 80 x 24 feet/192 x 24.4 x 7.3 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 695 x ?? x 24 feet/211.8 x ?? x 7.3 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 40,000 shp, 24 knots
Crew: 1300
Armor: none
Armament: 10 40 mm AA
Aircraft: 35
Concept/Program: An ex-RN/RAN light fleet carrier acquired in 1956. Is the
Brazilian Navy's largest ship, and despite old age, remains in service. To
be replaced by Sao Paulo and decommissioned by 2003.

Modifications: Underwent extensive refit following purchase; angled deck
added, new elevators installed, new island, all new aircraft operations and
support equipment and electronics outfit. Mistral SAM fitted to replace AA
guns in 1994.

Operational: First operated as a strike/ASW carrier, then as an ASW-only
ship. Laid up 1987 due to catapult problems, but returned to service. Now
operates only helicopters, due to a lack of suitable fixed-wing aircraft.
However, A-4s have been acquired, and the ship has operated with Argentine
jets.


Minas Gerais
ex-HMAS Vengeance, ex-HMS Vengeance
A11
"M"
Photos: [HMS Vengeance as completed], [HMS Vengeance in service], [As HMAS
Vengeance], [Minas Gerais as commissioned], [Minas Gerais in the 1990's.]
[Minas Gerais in the 1990's.]

Built by Swan Hunter. Laid down 16 Nov 1942, launched 23 Feb 1944,
commissioned 15 Jan 1945. Served in the Mediterranean, then in the Pacific.
RN designation changed to R64 circa 1945 for service in the Pacific;
returned to previous designation postwar. Participated in cold-weather
trials in the Arctic 1948-49; troop and aircraft transport 1951-52.
Designation changed to R71 under NATO designation system. Refitted early
1950's and loaned to Australia 13 November 1952 as HMAS Vengeance.
Initially served as a training carrier, then a first-line carrier starting
late 1953, then returned to training in 1954. Decommissioned and returned to
RN 13 Aug 1955 and placed in reserve upon return.

Sold to Brazil 12 Dec 1956; refitted at Rotterdam 6/1957-12/1960,
recommissioned 6 December 1960 as Minas Gerais (A11). Refitted 1976-1980 but
laid up 1987 due to catapult problems. Refitted 1991-1993, recommissioned
10/1993; catapult repaired by 1996. During the 1990's operated only ASW
helicopters, but A-4s have since been acquired.

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"Charles" wrote in message
...

FS: 690' AIRCRAFT CARRIER

http://tinyurl.com/23l6r

-- Charlie