5 Facts HMS Queen Elizabeth

Introduction to HMS Queen Elizabeth

The HMS Queen Elizabeth is a British aircraft carrier that has been in service since 2017. As the largest warship ever built by the UK, it has garnered significant attention for its capabilities and technological advancements. This blog post will delve into five key facts about the HMS Queen Elizabeth, exploring its history, design, and operational capabilities.

Fact 1: Design and Construction

The HMS Queen Elizabeth was 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 ship began in 2009 and was completed in 2017, with the ship being officially commissioned into the Royal Navy on December 7, 2017. The HMS Queen Elizabeth has a displacement of approximately 65,000 tonnes and measures 280 meters in length.

Fact 2: Propulsion and Speed

The HMS Queen Elizabeth is powered by two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines and four diesel generators, providing a total power output of 109 MW. The ship has a top speed of over 25 knots (46 km/h) and a range of more than 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km). The HMS Queen Elizabeth is also equipped with a state-of-the-art propulsion system, which allows for efficient and quiet operation.

Fact 3: Aircraft Capabilities

The HMS Queen Elizabeth is designed to carry a variety of aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II and the Merlin helicopter. The ship has a skijump ramp to assist with the takeoff of the F-35B, which is a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft. The HMS Queen Elizabeth can carry up to 36 F-35B aircraft and has a large hangar to accommodate and maintain the aircraft.

Fact 4: Defensive Capabilities

The HMS Queen Elizabeth is equipped with a range of defensive systems, including the Phalanx close-in weapon system and the Sea Ceptor air defense system. The ship also has a state-of-the-art radar system, which provides advanced surveillance and tracking capabilities. The HMS Queen Elizabeth is designed to operate in a high-threat environment and has a high level of survivability due to its advanced defensive systems.

Fact 5: Operational Deployments

The HMS Queen Elizabeth has undertaken several operational deployments since its commissioning, including a deployment to the Asia-Pacific region in 2021. The ship has also participated in several military exercises, including the NATO exercise “Formidable Shield” in 2020. The HMS Queen Elizabeth is capable of operating in a variety of environments and is an important asset for the UK’s naval power projection capabilities.

💡 Note: The HMS Queen Elizabeth is a highly advanced and capable warship, with a range of technologies and systems that make it an important asset for the UK's naval power projection capabilities.

The HMS Queen Elizabeth is a highly advanced warship that has been designed and constructed to provide the UK with a state-of-the-art aircraft carrier. With its advanced propulsion system, state-of-the-art radar system, and range of defensive systems, the HMS Queen Elizabeth is an important asset for the UK’s naval power projection capabilities. The ship’s ability to operate in a variety of environments and its high level of survivability make it a valuable addition to the Royal Navy.