New aircraft carrier uk
You're referring to the new aircraft carrier being built for the Royal Navy!
The UK's new aircraft carrier, officially known as HMS Queen Elizabeth, is a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier that is currently under construction at Rosyth Dockyard in Scotland. Here are some key facts about this impressive warship:
Design and Construction:
- The HMS Queen Elizabeth is the largest warship ever built for the Royal Navy, measuring 920 feet (280 meters) long and 257 feet (79 meters) wide.
- The carrier is designed to operate the F-35B Lightning II (Lightning II) fighter jets, as well as other aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
- The ship's hull is made of steel, with a displacement of over 65,000 tons.
- The construction process began in 2009, and the ship is expected to be completed in 2023.
Features:
- The HMS Queen Elizabeth has a flight deck that can accommodate up to 24 F-35B Lightning II jets, as well as other aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
- The ship is equipped with a state-of-the-art air traffic control system, allowing for simultaneous takeoffs and landings.
- The carrier has a crew of around 700 personnel, with additional personnel from the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm and other units.
- The ship is designed to operate in a variety of environments, including the Arctic and tropical regions.
Capabilities:
- The HMS Queen Elizabeth is capable of carrying out a range of tasks, including:
- Air power projection: The ship can launch and recover F-35B Lightning II jets, as well as other aircraft, to support military operations.
- Amphibious operations: The ship can carry out amphibious landings, using its hangar deck and flight deck to deploy troops, vehicles, and equipment.
- Disaster relief: The ship can provide humanitarian aid and support in the event of natural disasters or other crises.
- Diplomatic missions: The ship can be used to host diplomatic events and receptions, promoting British interests and relationships with other nations.
Cost and Timeline:
- The construction of the HMS Queen Elizabeth has cost around £6.2 billion (approximately $8.1 billion USD).
- The ship is expected to be completed in 2023, with sea trials and testing to follow.
- The ship will be commissioned into service in 2024, with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm operating the F-35B Lightning II jets from the carrier.
Overall, the HMS Queen Elizabeth is a significant investment in the Royal Navy's capabilities, providing a powerful and versatile platform for air power projection, amphibious operations, and humanitarian aid.