NAe Sao Paulo (A12), Brazilian Aircraft Carrier

NAe Sao Paulo (A12) aircraft carrier is a Clemenceau class aircraft carrier of the Brazilian Navy, formerly the French Foch. NAe Sao Paulo (A12) aircraft carrier was built in 1957 and was purchased from France in 2000. NAe Sao Paulo (A12) aircraft carrier is undergoing an extensive modernization program. The upgrade includes: inspection and repair of the steam turbines; maintenance of the surface condensers; re tubing of boilers; repair of two high-pressure compressors; revision of the alternating current electrical generator and purchase of spare parts; maintenance of pumps, valves and structural items; purchase of two API oil-water separators; installation of two water cooling units; upgrade of the chemical oxygen generator; repair and treatment of oil tanks; substitution of the Naval Tactical Data System; installation of a closed-circuit television system; installation of IFF transponder; installation of MAGE system (ESM); flight deck inspection, repair and painting; upgrade of the Optical Landing System processing unit; revision of the aircraft catapults. The upgrades are scheduled to complete in July 2009, and the NAe Sao Paulo (A12) aircraft carrier is due to be fully operational by October 2009.

General characteristics
Class and type:	Clemenceau-class aircraft carrier
Displacement:	24,200 tonnes 32,800 tonnes (full load)
Length:	265 metres (870 ft)
Beam:	31.7 metres (104 ft)
Draught:	8.60 metres (28.2 ft)
Propulsion:	6 Indret boilers, 4 steam turbines producing 126,000 hp, 2 propellers
Speed:	32 knots (59 km/h)
Range:	7,500 nautical miles (13,900 km) at 18 knots
Complement:	1,338 men (1,920 including the air group). 984 men if only helicopters are carried.
Electronic warfare and decoys:	DRBV-23B air sentry radar DRBV-50 low-altitude or surface sentry radar (later replaced by a DRBV-15) NRBA-50 approach radar DRBI-10 tri-dimensional air sentry radar several DRBC-31 fire radar (later DRBC-32C) DRBN-34 navigation radars
Armament:	four 100 mm turrets, two SACP Crotale EDIR systems, five 12.7 mm machine guns, 4 dual Simbad launchers
Aircraft carried:	39 aircraft: 22 jets and 17 helicopters. Comprised of A-4KU Skyhawks, AS 532 SC Cougars, HB 350 & HB.355 Ecureuils, and SH-3 Sea Kings

Twelve Brazilian Navy A-4 Skyhawk will be upgraded by Embraer at a cost of $140 million. The upgrade will be similar to the ones done for the AMX and F-5EM aircraft of the Brazilian Air Force. The program includes restoring the aircraft and their current systems, as well as implementing new avionics, radar, power production, and autonomous oxygen generating systems. Possible weapons to be included in the upgrade are Python 4 and Derby AAMS.

The Brazilian Navy has contracted Marsh Aviation to convert three S-2T Turbo Trackers to AEW configuration, and three more for tanking duties. The engine type and radar have not been specified, but the program is moving forward.

The NAe Sao Paulo (A12) aircraft carrier SH-3 fleet is to be replaced by six ex-USN S-70B Seahawk helicopters. They were purchased in 2008, and are currently being upgraded and refurbished for delivery. The helicopters and a package of engines and support equipment are expected to be delivered in