Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier Specs

Introduction to the Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier

The Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier is a class of two aircraft carriers operated by the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. These carriers are the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy and are designed to provide a versatile and powerful naval capability. The two ships in this class are HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

Design and Construction

The Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers were designed and constructed by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a partnership between BAE Systems, Thales Group, Babcock International, and the UK Ministry of Defence. The construction of the carriers began in 2009 and was completed in 2017. The carriers were built using a modular construction technique, where different sections of the ship were built separately and then assembled at the Rosyth Dockyard in Scotland.

Specifications

The Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers have the following specifications:

• Length: 284 meters (932 feet)
• Beam: 73 meters (240 feet)
• Draft: 11 meters (36 feet)
• Displacement: 65,000 tons
• Speed: over 25 knots (46 km/h)
• Range: over 10,000 nautical miles (18,500 km)
• Crew: 1,600 personnel
• Aircraft capacity: 40-50 aircraft, including F-35B Lightning II fighter jets and helicopters

Propulsion and Power

The Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers are powered by two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines and four diesel generators, which provide a total power output of 109 MW. The ships also have a highly efficient propulsion system, which includes a propeller and a rudder. The propulsion system is designed to provide a high level of efficiency and maneuverability, making the carriers highly effective in a variety of operational scenarios.

Aircraft and Aviation Facilities

The Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers have a range of aircraft and aviation facilities, including:

• A short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) system, which allows aircraft to take off and land vertically
• A ski-jump ramp, which assists aircraft during take-off
• A large flight deck, which provides a safe and efficient operating area for aircraft
• A hangar, which provides storage and maintenance facilities for aircraft

Defensive and Offensive Capabilities

The Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers have a range of defensive and offensive capabilities, including:

• Phalanx close-in weapon systems, which provide a last line of defense against incoming missiles and aircraft
• Sea Ceptor air defense missiles, which provide a medium-range air defense capability
• F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, which provide a highly advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capability

🚨 Note: The Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers are highly advanced warships, with a range of capabilities that make them highly effective in a variety of operational scenarios.

Operational History

The Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers have a relatively short operational history, with HMS Queen Elizabeth being commissioned in 2017 and HMS Prince of Wales being commissioned in 2019. Both carriers have undergone extensive sea trials and have participated in a range of exercises and operations, including the F-35B Lightning II flight trials and the NATO Exercise Trident Juncture.

Future Developments

The Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers are expected to play a major role in the Royal Navy’s future operations, with a range of upgrades and enhancements planned to ensure the carriers remain effective and relevant. These upgrades include the integration of new aircraft and systems, as well as the development of new operational concepts and tactics.

Specification	Description
Length	284 meters (932 feet)
Beam	73 meters (240 feet)
Draft	11 meters (36 feet)
Displacement	65,000 tons

The Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers are highly advanced warships, with a range of capabilities that make them highly effective in a variety of operational scenarios. With their advanced propulsion systems, highly efficient aircraft and aviation facilities, and range of defensive and offensive capabilities, these carriers are set to play a major role in the Royal Navy’s future operations.

The key points of the Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers can be summarized as follows: the carriers have a length of 284 meters, a beam of 73 meters, and a draft of 11 meters. They have a displacement of 65,000 tons and a speed of over 25 knots. The carriers have a crew of 1,600 personnel and can carry 40-50 aircraft, including F-35B Lightning II fighter jets and helicopters. They have a range of defensive and offensive capabilities, including Phalanx close-in weapon systems, Sea Ceptor air defense missiles, and F-35B Lightning II fighter jets.

In terms of future developments, the Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers are expected to undergo a range of upgrades and enhancements to ensure they remain effective and relevant. These upgrades will include the integration of new aircraft and systems, as well as the development of new operational concepts and tactics.

To summarize, the Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers are highly advanced warships that play a critical role in the Royal Navy’s operations. With their advanced capabilities and future upgrades, these carriers will continue to be a vital part of the Royal Navy’s fleet for years to come.