The Trieste is Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) of the Italian Navy, designed to enhance Italy's amphibious warfare and power projection capabilities. Built by Fincantieri, a leading Italian shipbuilding company, this vessel represents a significant advancement in the Italian fleet, combining the functionalities of an aircraft carrier and an amphibious assault ship.
Country users : Italy
Technical Data
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Design
The Trieste measures approximately 245 meters in length and 36 meters in beam, with a full load displacement of about 38,000 tons. Its design features a dual-island superstructure, similar to the British Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, optimizing navigation and flight operations. The flight deck, equipped with a ski-jump ramp, facilitates the operation of STOVL aircraft. Below the flight deck, the ship houses a well deck capable of accommodating amphibious landing craft, such as LCMs and LCACs, enabling the deployment of troops and vehicles directly onto shore. Additionally, the vessel includes extensive hangar and garage spaces for aircraft and vehicles, enhancing its operational flexibility.
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Armament
The Trieste is armed with a comprehensive suite of weaponry to address various threats. Its primary armament includes three Oto Melara 76mm/62 Strales anti-aircraft guns, providing robust air defense capabilities. For close-in protection, the ship is equipped with three OTO Melara 25/80 Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS), each mounting 25mm Oerlikon KBA cannons. The vessel also features two Oto Melara ODLS-20 decoy launchers to counter incoming missiles. Notably, the design allows for the future installation of two 8-cell SYLVER A50 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS), capable of housing Aster 15 or Aster 30 missiles, or CAMM ER missiles, thereby enhancing the ship's air defense envelope.
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Onboard equipment
The Trieste is outfitted with advanced sensors and processing systems to ensure situational awareness and combat effectiveness. The ship employs the Leonardo SADOC Mk4 Combat Management System, integrating various subsystems for coordinated operations. Its sensor suite includes the Leonardo Kronos Dual Band AESA 3D radar, operating in the X-band, and the Kronos Power Shield AESA L-band radar, providing comprehensive air and surface surveillance. For identification purposes, the vessel utilizes a Leonardo conformal Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system. Underwater threat detection is managed by the Leonardo Black Snake anti-torpedo towed array sonar. The ship's electronic warfare capabilities are enhanced by an integrated system from Elettronica S.p.A., offering RESM, RECM, CESM, and ELINT/COMINT functionalities.
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Engines
The Trieste is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, comprising two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines delivering 76,000 kW and two MAN 20V32/44CR diesel engines providing 24,000 kW. This configuration enables a maximum speed of 25 knots. For low-speed operations, the ship utilizes two 2,250 kW electric engines, allowing speeds up to 10 knots. The vessel boasts a range of 7,000 nautical miles at 16 knots, with an endurance of 30 days, facilitating extended deployments without the need for immediate resupply.
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Aircraft carried
The Italian Navy's LHD Trieste is designed to carry and operate a mix of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft to support amphibious and naval operations. Its air wing includes medium and heavy helicopters such as the AW101 and NH90 for roles like anti-submarine warfare, tactical transport, and search and rescue. The ship is also equipped with a ski-jump ramp to accommodate Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft, including the F-35B, for tasks such as air support and reconnaissance. The flight deck has nine landing spots, and the ship can carry up to 34 aircraft. Two elevators and a hangar provide the necessary facilities for storage and maintenance.
View of the Italian Trieste-class landing helicopter dock Trieste.
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