Italian warships are beautiful. I commented on this at a meeting with naval architects and engineers. They replied that the world's warships are projected by naval architects and naval engineers whilst in Italy warships are project by "designers". My guess is the Italians borrowed a few warship designers from Ferrari.
Gee thanks... or from my Alfa Romeo 159
Actually the fact that Fincantieri's largest activity is building transatlantic cruise boats and luxury yachts and fast ferries probably does have an impact on the design of our warships. Engineers rotate between yachts and warships.
By the way, a few news from Italy :
> carrier Cavour is now flying the Navy flag and testing Harriers and EH101s. Full operational status will be in approx 8-10 months since parts of the command center facilities are still being installed and the weapons systems still have to be tested. Anyway in case of emergency the carrier would be ready to operate with Garibaldi.
> DDG Doria of Horizon class is now fully operational. Its sistership Duilio is now sailing and structurally complete but will be handed to the Navy in 2009.
> The first FREMM FFG, ITS Bergamini, is at last being built (hull laid end Jan) and funding for the first 6 ships is now guaranteed (even despite the government's fall and the elections in April). Very important item, all ships will be carrying ESD AAW, ie Aster 30 and Sylver A50 VLS. Funding for the last 4 ships doesn't have to be confirmed until 2011 so there's time for that.
> The first two U212A are now fully operational (Todaro, Scire') ; initial funding for 3rd and 4th has been included in the budget but this item could be disrupted by the elections unless the defence committee of Parliament approves it before. Hopefully all fine, otherwise a few extra months delay should be expected.
cheers
