The Brazilian Navy bought HMS Ocean for a very cheap price: only $ 113.2 million. She was renamed Atlantico, and entered service in the Brazilian Navy on June 29, 2018.
However, it’s important to note that aircraft carriers are typically complex and expensive assets to design, build, and operate. The construction and maintenance costs of aircraft carriers can reach billions of dollars, taking into account the advanced technologies, systems, and infrastructure required for such vessels.
If there have been recent developments or changes in the Brazilian Navy’s carrier capabilities, I recommend referring to official sources, such as the Brazilian Navy’s website or reputable news outlets specializing in defense and maritime affairs, for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Introduce
In November 2018, the only carrier of the Brazilian Navy, São Paulo, was retired. The lack of an aircraft carrier and a flagship forced the Brazilian Navy to have an expedited alternative. The fortunes of the Brazilian Navy came when the Royal Navy HMS Ocean decommissioned in March 2018. Very soon, the HMS Ocean was acquired by Brazil. She is currently serving in the Brazilian Navy with the new name: NAM Atlântico, with hull number A140.
Design
According to the website Defesa Aerea Naval, on November 26, 2020, the Brazilian navy reclassified the Atlântico A140 landing platform helicopter ship as a multipurpose aircraft carrier under the name of NAM Atlântico. The ship is now able to operate with fixed-wing medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles as well as crewed tiltrotor VTOL aircraft. Despite its new name, the ship did not have the characteristics to be considered an aircraft carrier, such as catapult or ski-jump takeoff systems. NAM Atlântico has a displacement of 21,500 tons, length 203.4 m (667 ft), beam is 35 m (115 ft), and draft is 6.5 m (21 ft).
Powerplant
The ship’s propulsion system is powered by 2 x Crossley Pielstick 12-cylinder diesel engines, driving 2 x Shafts. NAM Atlântico can reach a top speed of 18 knots, a cruise speed of 10 knots, and a range of 8,000 miles. According to the Brazilian Navy, the NAM Atlântico A140 will act as flagship after the modernization. The ship is designed to accommodate and operate on its deck with remotely piloted aircraft as well as with turboprop aircraft for vertical landing.
Capacity
Classified as a Multi-Purpose Aircraft Carrier, NAM Atlântico can carry a maximum of eighteen helicopters, either on the deck or in her hangar. Helicopters supported include the Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, the Airbus EC725 Caracal helicopter series, and the AS350 Ecureuil series. According to military experts, the Brazilian Navy may temporarily use the AV-8B Harrier vertical or short takeoff and landing aircraft on the A140. In the future they may purchase the F-35B to equip it.