Spanish aircraft carrier Dédalo

"Dédalo" (Spanish for "Daedalus") was a Spanish aircraft carrier, the second such ship in the Spanish Navy (after the original seaplane and balloon carrier Dédalo that took part in the Battle of Alhucemas in 1925). It remained the fleet's flagship until the "Principe de Asturias" replaced it. "Dédalo" was formerly the Second World War era USS|Cabot|CVL-28|6 bought from the USA in the 1960s.

History

In 1967, after over twelve years in "mothballs" in the United States, "Cabot" was loaned to Spain. The loan was converted to a sale in 1972. "Dédalo" initially deployed with the Spanish Armada as an helicopter-only ASW carrier operating the SH-3D Sea King and other helicopters from 1967 to 1976.

After testing in 1972 [http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9dalo_%28portaaeronaves%29] ] it was decided to order and deploy STOVL AV-8S Matadors (AV-8A Harrier) when "Dédalo" was overhauled. Since the Harriers downdraft on vertical landing would have damaged the wooden deck protective metal sheathing was installed on the rear area of the flight deck. [ [http://www.wingweb.co.uk/aircraft/Harrier_VTOL_Jump-Jet_part3.html The full story of the Harrier "Jump-Jet" Part Three - Harriers in Service and the Falklands War ] ] The first batch of six AV-8S single seat and two TAV-8S two seat aircraft were delivered to the Armada Española throughout 1976. A second batch of four AV-8S aircraft was delivered in 1980. Unlike some carriers used for Harrier operations, a ski-jump to assist STOVL takeoff was never installed on the "Dédalo", limiting the maximum takeoff weight of the Harriers.

She then typically carried an air group of eight AV-8S fighters, four Sea King ASW helicopters and four AB 212ASW Twin Hueys although Sikorsky S-55/CH-19's, AH-1 Cobras and other specialized helicopters from the army, air force, and armada flew from her flight deck..

During her Spanish service, "Dédalo" logged 1,650 day's sailing 300,000 miles, registering 30,000 landings and takeoffs, losing an AV-8A and three AB 212ASW helicopters to accidents. [ [http://wikidelasurprise.wikispaces.com/R01+D%C3%A9dalo wikidelasurprise » R01 Dédalo ] ] Rs|date=July 2008

Disposal

"Dédalo" was stricken by the Spanish Navy in August 1989, and given to a private organization in the U.S. for use as a museum ship. However, that private organization was unable to pay its creditors, so, on 10 September 1999, the ship was auctioned off by the U.S. Marshal's Service to Sabe Marine Salvage. Scrapping of the hulk was completed in 2002.

Aircraft Facilities

* Hangar: 70 m x 13 m x 5 m
* Flight Deck: 168 × 22 m, 2 elevators

Image Gallery

ee also

* List of aircraft carriers
* List of ship commissionings in 1967
* List of ship decommissionings in 1989

References

External links