Intro
Discover the impressive Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier specs, featuring advanced stealth capabilities, cutting-edge radar systems, and a massive flight deck. Learn about its dimensions, propulsion, armament, and crew capacity, showcasing its role as a versatile and formidable centerpiece of the Royal Navys fleet.
The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are a new generation of warships designed to serve as the centerpiece of the United Kingdom's naval fleet. These impressive vessels are designed to provide a flexible and versatile platform for a range of military and humanitarian operations. In this article, we will delve into the specifications of these remarkable warships.
Introduction to the Queen Elizabeth Class
The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy. They are designed to replace the Invincible class aircraft carriers, which have been in service since the 1980s. The new carriers are designed to provide a state-of-the-art platform for the Royal Navy's F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, as well as a range of other aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Key Specifications
Here are some of the key specifications of the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers:
- Length: 920 feet (280 meters)
- Beam: 230 feet (70 meters)
- Displacement: 65,000 tons (full load)
- Speed: Over 25 knots (46 km/h)
- Range: 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km)
- Crew: 679 personnel (ship's company) plus 160 embarked air group personnel
- Aircraft capacity: Up to 40 F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, plus helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles
Aircraft Carrier Design
The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers feature a number of innovative design features that make them ideally suited for modern naval operations. These include:
- STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) capability: The carriers are designed to operate the F-35B Lightning II, which can take off from a short runway and land vertically.
- Ski jump ramp: The carriers feature a ski jump ramp, which allows the F-35B to take off from a short runway.
- Arresting gear: The carriers are equipped with arresting gear, which allows the F-35B to land safely on the flight deck.
- Flight deck: The flight deck is designed to accommodate a range of aircraft, including the F-35B, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Propulsion and Power
The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are powered by two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines, which provide a total of 80,000 horsepower. The carriers also feature four diesel generators, which provide additional power for the ship's systems.
Armament and Defense
The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are equipped with a range of armament and defense systems, including:
- Phalanx close-in weapon system: A 20mm Gatling gun system that provides close-in defense against incoming missiles and aircraft.
- Sea Ceptor missile system: A surface-to-air missile system that provides medium-range defense against incoming missiles and aircraft.
- 30mm guns: Two 30mm guns that provide additional defense against small boats and other surface targets.
Sensor and Communication Systems
The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are equipped with a range of advanced sensor and communication systems, including:
- Type 997 Artisan radar: A 3D radar system that provides air and surface surveillance.
- Type 2150 hull-mounted sonar: A sonar system that provides underwater surveillance.
- Satellite communications: The carriers are equipped with satellite communications systems, which allow them to stay in touch with other ships and command centers.
Gallery of Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier
Gallery Section
Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier Image Gallery
FAQs
What is the length of the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers?
+The length of the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers is 920 feet (280 meters).
What is the crew capacity of the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers?
+The crew capacity of the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers is 679 personnel (ship's company) plus 160 embarked air group personnel.
What is the aircraft capacity of the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers?
+The aircraft capacity of the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers is up to 40 F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, plus helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. These impressive warships are a testament to the UK's commitment to maintaining a strong and capable naval presence. With their advanced sensors, communications systems, and armament, they are well-equipped to handle a range of military and humanitarian operations.