HMS Hermes was a British light aircraft carrier and the last of the Centaur class, constructed during and after World War II. Laid down by Vickers-Armstrong at Barrow-in-Furness as HMS Elephant, construction was suspended in 1945, then resumed in 1952, with the hull launched on 16 February 1953. The vessel remained unfinished until 1957, entering service on 18 November 1959 following extensive modifications. These included the installation of a large Type 984 'searchlight' 3D radar, a fully angled flight deck with a deck-edge lift, and steam catapults, which gave her a more modern appearance compared to earlier ships in her class. Hermes measured approximately 22,000 tons displacement and was equipped with a conventional propulsion system, enabling a maximum speed of around 30 knots. Her flight deck was designed to operate fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, initially accommodating aircraft such as Supermarine Scimitars, de Havilland Sea Vixens, and Fairey Gannets, along with Westland Whirlwind helicopters. Throughout her service, Hermes played a significant role in various operations. Notably, during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, her Sea Vixen aircraft were tasked with nuclear bombing missions against Soviet targets, including Sevastopol. She also served as the flagship of the British forces during the 1982 Falklands War, sailing with an air group that included Sea Harriers, Harrier GR3s, and Sea Kings. Her aircraft operated at extended ranges, providing vital air cover in the conflict. Hermes underwent multiple conversions throughout her career, including a shift to a commando carrier and later an anti-submarine warfare carrier, with modifications such as the removal of arresting gear and steam catapults to accommodate helicopters. She was decommissioned from Royal Navy service in April 1984 and sold to India in 1986, where she was recommissioned as INS Viraat and served until 2017. Her maritime significance lies in her role as a versatile, adaptable vessel that served during critical periods of Cold War tension and the Falklands conflict, representing a key asset in the evolution of carrier design and naval aviation strategy.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.