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From a Second World War warrior to a Brazilian flagship, the history of Minas Gerais reflects naval evolution, marking its transition from a British aircraft carrier to a symbol of Brazil's sovereignty and maritime capabilities.
The Minas Gerais, the first aircraft carrier of the Brazilian Navy, has a history full of transformations and global services. Originally built in 1942 during World War II, she was part of the Royal Navy's Colossus class and was later acquired by the Brazilian Navy in 1956.
Launched at the height of World War II, Minas Gerais, then known as HMS Vengeance, was part of a British effort to rapidly expand its aircraft carrier fleet. After the end of the conflict, she served briefly in the Royal Navy before being transferred to the Royal Australian Navy, and finally to Brazil.
Modernization and Brazilian service in Minas Gerais, the first aircraft carrier of the Brazilian Navy
Following its acquisition by Brazil, the ship underwent extensive modernizations, including the addition of an angled flight deck and advanced radar systems. Renamed Minas Gerais, she arrived in Brazil in 1961, marking the beginning of her legacy in the Brazilian Navy.
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During its service, Minas Gerais faced challenges, such as conflict of interests with the Brazilian Air Force over the operation of fixed-wing aircraft. Still, she became a vital component of Brazil's naval capability, participating in military exercises and acting as a flagship.
Decommissioning and final destination
After more than 50 years of service, Minas Gerais was decommissioned in 2001, being replaced by the aircraft carrier São Paulo. Her years of service have exceeded the service life expectations of her class, reflecting the durability and importance of the Colossus-class light aircraft carriers.
Minas Gerais was not only the Brazilian Navy's first aircraft carrier, but also a testament to the evolution of naval engineering and Brazil's strategic importance on the global maritime scene. His legacy remains a significant milestone in Brazilian naval history.
Minas Gerais, after a distinguished career marked by renovations and technological updates, was decommissioned in 2001. Her attempts to preserve it as a museum did not prosper, resulting in the ship's sale to dismantling in India. This fate sealed the end of the journey of the first Brazilian aircraft carrier, closing an important chapter in Brazil's naval history.
Comparison: Aircraft carrier Minas Gerais and Aircraft carrier São Paulo
In terms of comparison, the Minas Gerais, a Colossus-class aircraft carrier, was smaller and designed for more limited operations, with capacity for 16 aircraft. In contrast, the aircraft carrier São Paulo, formerly French Foch, was a larger and more advanced ship, with capacity for around 40 aircraft, including operations with catapults to launch fixed-wing aircraft, reflecting a significant step in the operational capacity of the Brazilian Navy.
The trajectory of Minas Gerais and São Paulo illustrates the evolution of the Brazilian Navy, from the adaptation of World War II-era warships to the search for a more contemporary and global naval capability. While Minas Gerais symbolizes the beginnings of Brazilian naval aviation, São Paulo stands out for its attempt to modernize and expand the country's maritime capabilities.
Brazil had two aircraft carriers in its naval history: Minas Gerais and São Paulo. The Minas Gerais, which served from 1960 to 2001, was a pioneer in Brazilian naval aviation, while the São Paulo, acquired in 2000, represented a modernization of the fleet, despite the technical challenges faced. And now the Brazilian Navy is considering buying a new aircraft carrier (Read Full Article).
