Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier Specs

Introduction to the Queen Elizabeth Class

The Queen Elizabeth class is a class of two aircraft carriers operated by the Royal Navy. The class consists of two ships: HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. These aircraft carriers are the largest warships ever built for the United Kingdom and are designed to provide a flexible and versatile platform for a variety of military tasks. In this article, we will delve into the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier specs and explore their capabilities and features.

Design and Construction

The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers were designed and built by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a consortium of companies including BAE Systems, Thales Group, and Babcock International. The construction of the carriers took place at several shipyards across the UK, with the final assembly and integration taking place at Rosyth Dockyard in Scotland. The HMS Queen Elizabeth was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 2017, while the HMS Prince of Wales was commissioned in 2019.

Specifications

Here are the key Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier specs:

• Length: 280 meters (919 feet)
• Beam: 73 meters (240 feet)
• Draft: 11 meters (36 feet)
• Displacement: 65,000 tons
• Top speed: Over 25 knots (46 km/h)
• Range: Over 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km)
• Crew: 1,600 personnel, including 600 ship’s company and 1,000 air group personnel
• Aircraft capacity: Up to 40 aircraft, including F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, Merlin helicopters, and Chinook helicopters

Propulsion and Performance

The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are powered by two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines, each producing 36 MW of power. The ships also have four diesel generators, each producing 3 MW of power. The propulsion system provides a top speed of over 25 knots (46 km/h) and a range of over 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km).

Aircraft Operations

The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are designed to operate a variety of aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, the Merlin helicopter, and the Chinook helicopter. The ships have a large flight deck, with a length of 280 meters (919 feet) and a width of 73 meters (240 feet). The flight deck is equipped with a ski jump ramp, which allows aircraft to take off with a shorter runway. The ships also have a well deck, which can be used to launch and recover boats and amphibious vehicles.

Armament and Defense

The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are equipped with a variety of armament and defense systems, including:

• Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS)
• 30mm DS30M Mark 2 guns
• Miniguns
• Sea Ceptor air defense system

Command and Control

The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers have a advanced command and control system, which provides real-time information and situational awareness to the ship’s crew. The system includes:

• Advanced radar systems, including the Artisan 3D radar
• Electronic warfare systems
• Communication systems, including satellite and radio communication

🚨 Note: The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are highly advanced and complex warships, and their exact specifications and capabilities are not publicly available.

Operational History

The HMS Queen Elizabeth has been involved in several operational deployments, including a deployment to the Asia-Pacific region in 2021. The ship has also participated in several exercises and training events, including the Exercise Formidable Shield in 2020. The HMS Prince of Wales has also been involved in several operational deployments and exercises, including a deployment to the Mediterranean region in 2020.

Conclusion

In summary, the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are highly advanced and capable warships, with a range of features and capabilities that make them well-suited to a variety of military tasks. With their advanced propulsion systems, flexible aircraft operations, and robust armament and defense systems, these ships are an important part of the Royal Navy’s fleet and will play a key role in the UK’s defense and security strategy for many years to come.

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