Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier

Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier. The Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers are the largest and most powerful warships ever constructed for the Royal Navy. Designed to project global power, the two vessels, HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) and HMS Prince of Wales (R09), form the cornerstone of the UK's carrier strike capability. Their introduction marked a return to fixed-wing aviation at sea for the Royal Navy following the retirement of the Harrier and the Invincible-class aircraft carrier.

Design and development

The genesis of the class followed the 1998 Strategic Defence Review, which called for new carriers to replace the aging Invincible-class aircraft carrier. The subsequent Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) project was a joint venture between the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) and industry partners, including BAE Systems and Thales Group. Key design decisions included opting for a large, conventional ski-jump design over catapults to operate the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing F-35B Lightning II, a choice confirmed after the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review. The design emphasizes survivability, with separated powerplant and magazine spaces, and features a unique twin island superstructure, one for ship navigation and the other for air traffic control.

Construction and specifications

Construction was managed by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a consortium of Babcock International, BAE Systems, Thales Group, and the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom). The ships were assembled from large blocks built at six shipyards across the UK, including Rosyth Dockyard and Govan, before final integration at Rosyth. HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) was commissioned in 2017, followed by HMS Prince of Wales (R09) in 2019. Each carrier displaces approximately 65,000 tonnes, measures 280 metres in length, and is powered by an Integrated electric propulsion system using two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines. The 4.5-acre flight deck can accommodate over 40 aircraft.

Operational history

HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) undertook her first operational deployment in 2021 as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 21, leading a task force that included HMS Defender (D36) and HMS Kent (F78) on a global tour spanning the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea. The deployment included combat operations over Afghanistan and integrated exercises with allies like the United States Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. HMS Prince of Wales (R09) assumed the role of NATO's command flagship in 2022 and has conducted major exercises in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, including Exercise Cold Response and working with the United States Marine Corps. Both carriers have faced technical challenges, with HMS Prince of Wales (R09) suffering a significant propeller shaft issue in 2022.

Aircraft and capabilities

The primary offensive armament is a squadron of up to 24 F-35B Lightning II stealth aircraft, operated jointly by the Royal Air Force's No. 617 Squadron RAF and the Fleet Air Arm. The Crowsnest radar system, fitted to Merlin HM2 helicopters, provides airborne early warning and control. The air group is typically rounded out by Merlin helicopters for anti-submarine warfare and Wildcat HMA2 helicopters for surface attack. The carriers are equipped to support a wide range of operations, from high-intensity strike missions to humanitarian aid and disaster relief, and can embark United States Marine Corps F-35B squadrons as part of a combined force.

Ships in class

{| class="wikitable" |- ! Name !! Pennant number !! Laid down !! Launched !! Commissioned !! Status |- | HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) || R08 || 2009 || 2014 || 2017 || Active, flagship of the Royal Navy |- | HMS Prince of Wales (R09) || R09 || 2011 || 2017 || 2019 || Active |}

Category:Aircraft carrier classes Category:Royal Navy ship classes