Italian aircraft carrier Cavour

MM Cavour (C552, formerly Andrea Doria) is a Italian light V/STOL aircraft carrier. Built by Fincantieri from 2001, Cavour was launched from the Riva Trigoso shipyard in Genoa on July 20, 2004 and is expected to enter service in 2008 after finishing work at Muggiano and Riva Trigoso. Due to delays this nuova unità maggiore will now replace Giuseppe Garibaldi rather than operate alongside her as replacement for Vittorio Veneto.

The ship is designed to combine V/STOL and helicopter air operations, amphibious operations, and the transport of military or civil personnel and heavy vehicles. The 134 metre, 2,500 m² hanger can double as a vehicle hold, fitting up to 24 tanks or many more lighter vehicles, and is fitted with side access ramps as well as two elevators.

She is named after the Italian politician Count Camillo Benso di Cavour. Initially she was to be named after Luigi Einaudi, then after Admiral Andrea Doria.

• Displacement: 26,660t
• Dimensions: 756.8ft × 124.8ft × 24ft (236.5m × 39m × 7.5m)
• Armament: VLS for 32 Aster-15 SAM, 2 of 76mm Oto Melara guns, 3 of 25mm AA
• Aircraft: 8 AV-8B Harrier IIs or 12 EH101 Merlin. Will also carry F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
• Propulsion: 4 × General Electric LM2500 COGAG gas turbines at 22,000 kW each, 2 shafts, 120,000shp = 29 knots maximum, 16 knots economic cruising (7,000 nm range)
• Complement: 1,200+. 450 crew + 200 air wing + 465 troops + 90 transient