Texas-based engineering consulting and software development firm Zentech has secured a contract to perform a comprehensive inspection and evaluation of the hull steel for the Brazilian Navy’s Clemenceau-class aircraft carrier, Sao Paulo.
This new development is part of the navy’s programme to upgrade the aircraft carrier.
Under the contract, Zentech will carry out initial work including corrosion inspection, condition evaluation and detailed analysis of the carrier’s hull integrity.
The hull integrity analysis involves creating 3D models to accurately map the results of the vessel’s hull, gauging for further detailed analytical work, to deliver recommendations regarding steel replacement.
In addition, the company will provide ongoing assistance to the navy as part of a five-year maintenance support contract.
Zentech do Brasil managing director James Cook stated that work under the contract will be primarily performed by personnel from the Rio facility.
The company will use its Asset Integrity Management Solution (ZAIMS) system to support the navy in assessing the sea-worthiness of the vessel’s hull.
The firm is undertaking similar work for Life Enhancement on a number of offshore drilling rigs and has recently completed similar work for 63 PEMEX production platforms.
Acquired in September 2000, the Chantier de l’Atlantique-built Sao Paulo aircraft carrier can operate up to 37 fixed-wing aircraft and two helicopters such as A-4KU Skyhawks, AS 532 SC Cougars, SH-3A/B Sea King helicopters and Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuils transport helicopters.
Powered by four Parsons steam turbines, the warship is equipped with DRBV-23B air sentry radar, DRBV-15 low-altitude or surface sentry radar, NRBA-50 approach radar, DRBI-10 tri-dimensional air sentry radar, DRBC-32C fire radar and DRBN-34 navigation radars.
Image: Sao Paulo is armed with four 100mm modèle 64 turrets and two SACP Crotale infrared differential ecartometry (EDIR) systems. Photo: courtesy of Zentech, Inc.
