Thursday, December 11, 2014

Brazil Seeking to Modernize, Extend Life of Sao Paulo Aircraft Carrier


The Brazilian Navy is planning an extensive modernisation of the 32,000-ton displacement aircraft carrier NAe São Paulo in order to extend the ship's life to the late 2030s.

Studies to scope a four-year upgrade process and life extension refit for the 51-year old ship are now underway, according to information revealed by the navy to IHS Jane's Fighting Ships .

Acquired second hand from France in 2000, São Paulo (ex-Foch) has suffered from serviceability challenges during its 14-year career with the Brazilian Navy, having managed no more than three months of operational service between maintenance and repairs. The ship had been scheduled to serve through to 2025, when it was slated for replacement by the first of two 50,000-ton aircraft carriers planned under the Aircraft Carrier Procurement Programme (PRONAe).

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