Text & Photos: Ferran Marín, Pere Vilata & David Astorga González
Coinciding with October 12th, Armed Forces Day, and the celebration of the 37th America’s Cup, the aircraft carrier L61 Juan Carlos I docked in Barcelona’s port. Along with thousands of Barcelona residents and other visitors from other cities, a total of 11,000, we were able to tour the interior and exterior of the ship.
We were able to attend the press conference offered by the Rear Admiral where he highlighted his high level of involvement with all the important events related to sailing and during the conference we had the opportunity to ask him to update us first hand on the progress of the test program for the new NH90s in anticipation of the imminent arrival of the first units.
Rear Admiral Antonio González-Tánago and Captain Santiago Martínez (Photo: Ferran Marín T4A)
The embarkation testing phase for these aircraft was able to be carried out in advance with Air Force units, allowing this aircraft to be integrated into the Navy much sooner. The same applies to the Nival helicopter, which will most likely be part of the frigates’ crew. However, the two aforementioned helicopters have been tested taking into account the aircraft carrier’s enveloping charts.
The Navy will receive seven NH90 MSPT helicopters between 2025 and 2026, replacing the retired SH3D Sea Kings and the AB212s, which will reach the end of their operational life in mid-2024. While the NH90s arrive, the Navy has opted for the SH-60Fs as an interim solution.
Regarding the Harrier’s replacement, no information was available. As expected, its replacement is subject to government budgetary decisions and, in a second stage, to an evaluation committee for the future VTOL fighter candidate.
They highlighted the importance of the helicopters’ versatility, not only in response to armed conflicts, but also in humanitarian aid, as occurred during the earthquakes in Turkey. Thanks to the fact that the ship was close to the affected area, it headed for the Turkish coast to contribute humanitarian aid of various kinds.
Capacity for up to 30 aircraft including AV-8B Plus, JSF, NH-90, SH-3D, CH-47, AB-212, Bell-Boeing MV-22 Osprey. Capacity for 19 AV-8B aircraft, 30 NH-90 helicopters, 10 CH-47 Chinook heavy helicopters, 12 NH-90 helicopters and 11 AV-8B aircraft. 2 elevators capable of operating JSF. Landing point for six medium-type helicopters or four CH-47s. Flight deck measuring 216 x 32 meters. Flight deck measuring 5,440 square meters. 12-degree ski jump. Others: It has a dam measuring 69.30 x 16.80 meters and 1,165 m2 with capacity for 4 LCM-1E + 4 Supercat, or 1 LCAC or LVT. A hospital with 2 operating rooms, dental room, nursing, ICU, X-ray, laboratory, pharmacy.
The crew consists of 295 people: 31 officers, 53 non-commissioned officers, 66 first class corporals, and 145 corporals and sailors. Our crew comes from all over Spain, but mainly from Galicia and Andalusia. However, when we go on missions, we can number up to 1,500 people in this small “Floating City.”
