Displacement is 16,500 tonnes on empty and 21,300 tonnes under full loads. Overall length is 660 feet with a beam of 105 feet and draught down to 21 feet. Power is from 3 x Wartsila 16V32 engines delivering 8,300 horsepower each, driving the vessel to speeds of nearly 19 knots and a range out to 10,700 nautical miles. 2 x Rolls-Royce Mermaid azimuth thrusters provide fine-tuned maneuvering.
Full helicopter facilities are part of the design including the large-area flight deck and sub-deck hangar. Up to 16 heavy-class or 35 light-class rotary-wing systems can be supported with six launch pads reserved along the flight deck for landing and retrieval. At present (2016), the Egyptian Navy showcases a collection of Western helicopters including the American Kaman SH-2G "Super Seasprite", the British Westland "Sea King" and NHIndustries NH90 series and the French Aerospatiale "Gazelle". Both the Seasprite and Sea King are outfitted for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) sorties while the Gazelle is reserved for shoreline reconnaissance due to its light design. The Soviet/Russian Mil Mi-8 is also in play with the Egyptian Navy and reserved for ferrying infantry and supplies.
Of note is the Boeing AH-64 "Apache" attack helicopter appears on the badge of the Gamal Abdel Nasser.
In addition to the air arm, the vessel is stocked with boats and landing craft and can haul 2 x Landing Craft, Air-Cushioned systems. Up to forty Main Battle Tank (MBT) vehicles can also be stored along with 900 combat-ready personnel. Beyond its obvious value as a wartime vessel, ENS Gamal Abdel Nasser can also be used in humanitarian support missions due to its onboard space and medical facilities.
To date (2016), ENS Gamal Abdel Nasser has been able to take part in the Mediterranean-based "Cleopatra 2016" naval exercises involving elements of the Egyptian Navy as well as those of France. This has served the former quite well in training its crews and helicopter flight crews on the nuisances of amphibious assault support as well as helicopter carrier operation.
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