Intro
Explore the mighty 5 Royal Navy aircraft carriers, from the HMS Queen Elizabeth to the HMS Prince of Wales, and discover their history, specifications, and capabilities. Learn about the Royal Navys fleet air power, naval aviation, and the role of these carriers in modern warfare, including their F-35B Lightning II squadrons and defensive systems.
The Royal Navy's aircraft carriers have been a cornerstone of British naval power for decades, providing a flexible and powerful tool for military operations, humanitarian missions, and diplomatic engagements. From the early days of naval aviation to the present day, the Royal Navy has operated some of the most advanced and capable aircraft carriers in the world. Here, we will explore five of the most notable Royal Navy aircraft carriers, highlighting their design, capabilities, and operational history.
The Early Years: HMS Argus (1918)
The first aircraft carrier to serve in the Royal Navy was HMS Argus, converted from the Italian liner Conte Rosso in 1918. With a length of 633 feet and a beam of 65 feet, Argus was a relatively small ship, but it played a crucial role in the development of naval aviation. It was fitted with a flush deck, allowing aircraft to take off and land without the need for a separate flying-off deck.
HMS Argus was commissioned in 1918 and served during the Russian Civil War, providing air support for British forces. It later served as a training ship and was eventually sold for scrap in 1929. Despite its relatively short service life, Argus paved the way for the development of future Royal Navy aircraft carriers.
Capabilities and Specifications
- Length: 633 feet
- Beam: 65 feet
- Displacement: 14,500 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 15-20 aircraft
- Speed: 15 knots
World War II: HMS Ark Royal (1938)
One of the most famous Royal Navy aircraft carriers of World War II was HMS Ark Royal, commissioned in 1938. With a length of 721 feet and a beam of 75 feet, Ark Royal was a significant improvement over earlier designs, featuring a larger flight deck and improved aircraft handling facilities.
Ark Royal played a key role in the early years of World War II, providing air support for British forces during the Norwegian Campaign and the Battle of the Atlantic. It was also involved in the hunt for the German battleship Bismarck, providing aircraft to attack and ultimately sink the enemy ship.
Capabilities and Specifications
- Length: 721 feet
- Beam: 75 feet
- Displacement: 22,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 50-60 aircraft
- Speed: 30 knots
The Cold War: HMS Eagle (1951)
The post-war period saw significant advances in aircraft carrier design, with the introduction of the steam catapult and the angled flight deck. One of the most notable Royal Navy aircraft carriers of this era was HMS Eagle, commissioned in 1951.
Eagle was a significant improvement over earlier designs, featuring a larger flight deck and improved aircraft handling facilities. It was also fitted with a steam catapult, allowing for the launch of heavier aircraft. Eagle played a key role in the Suez Crisis, providing air support for British forces during the invasion of Egypt.
Capabilities and Specifications
- Length: 728 feet
- Beam: 90 feet
- Displacement: 45,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 50-60 aircraft
- Speed: 28 knots
Modern Era: HMS Invincible (1980)
The modern era of Royal Navy aircraft carriers began with the commissioning of HMS Invincible in 1980. With a length of 689 feet and a beam of 118 feet, Invincible was a significant improvement over earlier designs, featuring a larger flight deck and improved aircraft handling facilities.
Invincible was designed to operate the Sea Harrier jump jet, a vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft that eliminated the need for a catapult. It played a key role in the Falklands War, providing air support for British forces during the conflict.
Capabilities and Specifications
- Length: 689 feet
- Beam: 118 feet
- Displacement: 20,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 20-30 aircraft
- Speed: 28 knots
Present Day: HMS Queen Elizabeth (2017)
The latest addition to the Royal Navy's aircraft carrier fleet is HMS Queen Elizabeth, commissioned in 2017. With a length of 932 feet and a beam of 230 feet, Queen Elizabeth is the largest warship ever built for the Royal Navy.
Queen Elizabeth is designed to operate the F-35B Lightning II, a V/STOL aircraft that provides advanced air power capabilities. It also features a range of advanced sensors and communications systems, making it one of the most capable aircraft carriers in the world.
Capabilities and Specifications
- Length: 932 feet
- Beam: 230 feet
- Displacement: 65,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 50-60 aircraft
- Speed: 25 knots
Royal Navy Aircraft Carriers Image Gallery
What is the largest aircraft carrier ever built for the Royal Navy?
+The largest aircraft carrier ever built for the Royal Navy is HMS Queen Elizabeth, with a length of 932 feet and a beam of 230 feet.
What type of aircraft does HMS Queen Elizabeth operate?
+HMS Queen Elizabeth operates the F-35B Lightning II, a V/STOL aircraft that provides advanced air power capabilities.
What is the purpose of an aircraft carrier?
+The purpose of an aircraft carrier is to provide a mobile airbase that can be used to launch aircraft in support of military operations, humanitarian missions, and diplomatic engagements.
The Royal Navy's aircraft carriers have played a significant role in the country's military history, providing a flexible and powerful tool for military operations, humanitarian missions, and diplomatic engagements. From the early days of naval aviation to the present day, the Royal Navy has operated some of the most advanced and capable aircraft carriers in the world.