Aircraft Carriers

Aircraft Carriers

Naval Aviation Badge

For the embarked naval aviation units click HERE

The first Aircraft carrier entered service on 1958. She was A.R.A. Independencia (V-1). This ship was a CVL (light Fleet Carrier), of the British Colossus Class. From her deck, various aircraft operated, such as navalized T-28´s, AT-6´s, S-2A´s and F-9F Panthers. After almost ten years of service, she was retired.

click for enlarged picture

The Second Aircraft carrier entered service on 1969. She was A.R.A. Veinticinco de Mayo (V-2). This ship was also a CVL (light Fleet Carrier), of the British Colossus Class, but upgraded with steam catapult, mirror landing system and an angled deck. From her deck, various aircraft operated, such as A-4Q´s, Super Etendards, S-2E´s, SH-3H, etc. She participated in the South Atlantic War in 1982. She was also a key factor in the Beagle Sound Crisis (1978). Check out images of ARA 25 de Mayo in Dutch service!!! Just click here.

click for enlarged picture

Back to main page