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| Specifications and Sophistication of the Sao Paulo Aircraft Carrier A12 Pride Brazilian Navy |
Brasilia - The sophistication of the Sao Paulo A12 aircraft carrier, the pride of Brazilian Navy is interesting to discuss. Sao Paulo, formerly known as Foch, is a Clemenceau class aircraft carrier purchased by Brazil in 2000 for USD 12 million to France.
In 2017, the Brazilian Navy announced the demobilization and decommissioning of this ship. This is because Sao Paulo has quite serious problems and rarely operates. Even so, the Sao Paulo aircraft carrier was once the mainstay and pride of the Brazilian Navy because of its various sophistications.
Airwing Sao Paulo already has the capacity to carry more than 40 aircraft, including its 22 jets and 17 helicopters. The propulsion system of the carrier Sao Paulo consists of 6 Indret boilers which provide steam for 4 turbines and produces 126,000 horsepower which is driven by two propellers. So that this ship can reach a maximum speed of 32 knots with an operating range of up to 7,500 nautical miles and has a speed of up to 18 knots (within safe limits).
In its electronic systems, Sao Paulo is also equipped with electronic warfare and decoy equipment including the DRBV-23B air guard radar, DRBV-15 low-altitude rangefinder radar. Several other radars have also been installed specifically to avoid enemies trying to approach them.
The ship has been fitted with an NRBA-50 approach radar, a DRBI-10 three-dimensional air guard radar and is also equipped with several navigation and fire radars.
As a fighter carrier, Sao Paulo is armed with four 100mm model 64 turrets and two SACP Crotale EDIR systems. This Crotale EDIR short-range anti-air missile can be used against anti-ship missiles and can fire at low-flying aircraft.
The Crotale system is connected to the main sensor sensors and the turret firing system. Meanwhile, the turret can accommodate eight ready-to-launch missiles. Not only that, this Sao Paulo also carries 18 missiles stored in magazines or behind the turret, four dual Simbad launchers and five 12.7mm machine guns are also installed in several parts of the ship.
Despite having some sophistication and capable strength, the Brazilian Ministry of Defense announced that it would auction off its aircraft carrier, Sao Paulo. Based on information published by Folha de Sao Paulo on February 1, 2023, a Saudi Arabian business group has contacted the Brazilian Navy to purchase the hull for the Sao Paulo aircraft carrier.