SPANISH NAVY (SPAIN)

Project history: Originally known as the Strategic Projection ship. The Spanish government formally authorized construction in 2003. lzar (later Navantia) received the design contract 5.2.2003. Largest warship ever built for Spain. Has an island superstructure offset to starboard on the full-length helicopter deck with a 12° sky-jump. Have a surface-piercing bow bulb. The 69.3x16.8m floodable stern well can accommodate four LCM-1E sized landing craft or two LCAC. Has 3450m² parking area for helicopters, vehicles, and containerized cargo, including 1400m² for tanks and 2050m² for other vehicles. Has extensive medical facilities including X-ray and operating rooms. Aviation features include a 202m-long flight deck with landing spots for either four CH-47, six NH-90, or eight AB-212 helicopters and OLS optical landing control system. 185m-long (1000m²) hangar can accommodate 12 helicopters or eight EAV-8B Harrier V/STOL fighter-attack aircraft. There are two 25t-capacity aircraft elevators. A point defense SAM system may be fitted in the future. Ship can carry 1200 passengers, including 103 persons of marine HQ, 172 persons of aviation group, 23 HQ and 902 marine troops. Ship is equipped with large hospital facility (580m²).