Ski Jumps on carriers

[pvmw]

I thought I'd test the statement that there are plenty of experts to answer all questions........

I've just been reading a glossy magazine produced by the Italian parent of the company I work for, and there is an article about the Italian Navy's aircraft Carrier (sic. do they only have the one??) returning from Haiti.

What caught my eye was a prominent Ski Jump on the front left hand side (er, sorry...Port Side) of the flight deck. As I understand it a ski jump is only useful for Harriers, and I'm not aware that the Italians fly Harriers.

So, am I wrong and they do, or did the Italian Navy say "the Brits have a ski jump, we want one as well"

[Davidsoffice]

The Italians do operate the AV-8B US built "Harrier". I believe they have 15 in service.

[pvmw]

You live and learn. Thanks for that.

[L4key]

Also - The Russians have carriers eg the Admiral Kuznetsov which has a ski jump for it's Su33's. They don't use a catapult, just the forward speed of the ship and their own thrust!

[TEEEJ]

Pvmw,

Also operated by India, Thailand and Spain. Their carriers also have ski ramps. The Thai Harriers are early variants.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INS_Viraat_(R22)

Spanish aircraft carrier Principe de Asturias - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_aircraft_carrier_Principe_de_Asturias)

HTMS Chakri Naruebet - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTMS_Chakri_Naruebet)

TJ