HTMS Chakri Naruebet
The HTMS Chakri Naruebet ( Thai: เรือ หลวง จักรี นฤเบศ ร - pronunciation: [ rɯa Luan t͡ɕàk.ri ː náʔrɯʔbè ː t]) is a multi- carrier ship of the Thai navy.
Technology and history
The aircraft carrier was built in 1994-1997 on the Bazan shipyard in Spain. The ship is similar to the Spanish aircraft carrier Principe de Asturias. Overall, however, the carrier is smaller and has a more modern communications and intelligence systems, and a different propulsion system ( CODOG drive ). It can be both airplane and helicopter carrier used ( for anti-submarine attack or surgery) as well as for amphibious operations. In addition, the Chakri Naruebet used for ceremonial duties and therefore has space for the royal family on board.
The board comprises Squadron V / STOL airplanes for which the deck is carried at the bow as a ramp. Also, coming from the 174 × 27 meters large and equipped with two 20 tons elevators carrying deck of the light and versatile carrier also S -70B Seahawk American helicopters for the U- defense used.
Together with the carrier managed the Navy at nine cars whiz of the Spanish Navy Matador ( Hawker Siddeley Harrier ). These were put out of service in 2006.
Since its commissioning in 1997, the ship was barely in use, apparently due to insufficient funding. It leaves the naval base in Sattahip rarely. Once a month it runs out for practice purposes. Otherwise, it is mainly a tourist attraction and occasionally a representative transport vehicle for the royal family.
In addition, the Chakri Naruebet has on disaster relief missions during typhoon Linda (1997), the flood in the Songkhla (2000), the evacuation of citizens during the thailand - enemy riots in Cambodia ( 2003), the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 ( 2004), and the floods of 2010 and 2011 participated, with reports that at least 2010, the contribution was more symbolic. The extensive inactivity of the vessel suggests that the Navy has purchased more as a status object as a military necessity. It is therefore considered to be " white elephant " of the Navy and ridiculed by some Thai media as " Thai - tanic ".
Name
The name Chakri Naruebet to the Chakri Dynasty honor.