The transformation of the Neunfelds, from merchant ship to Dedalo seaplane carrier, was carried out in just 7 months in the Vulcano Shipyards of Barcelona. Bow holds 1 and 2 were transformed into hangars for captive balloons and airships, while stern holds were enabled as hangars for seaplanes.The seaplanes’s hangar was equipped with an elevator and several cranes to handle the aircrafts. A 60 meter long run deck was mounted at the stern of the bridge, which was used as a parking for seaplanes. Dédalo was the first Spanish Navy’s ship to operate with aircrafts, allowing Spain to more adequately defend its overseas territories.Dédalo‘s carrier wing was formed by Savoia 16, Macchi 18 and Supermarine Scarab seaplanes, and a number of airships and captive balloons. The maximum transport capacity was 25 seaplanes, 13 folded in the hangar and 12 on deck, in addition, she carried 2 captive balloons and 2 airships that completed the carrier air group.On September 8, 1925, twelve seaplanes took off from Dédalo to gave air support to the landings made at La Cebadilla beach, inside Alhucemas’s Bay. The Rif War lasted until July 1927, when the pacification of the Spanish Protectorate was completed.A major landmark was achieved in April 1934 when a rotorcraft landed and took off from Dédalo‘s deck. This was the World’s first time that a rotorcraft performed this maneuver from a ship’s deck. The event was developed near Valencia’s Port, on the Mediterranean coast.
