5 UK Aircraft Carriers
Introduction to UK Aircraft Carriers
The United Kingdom has a long history of operating aircraft carriers, with the first carrier, HMS Argus, being converted from an ocean liner in 1918. Since then, the UK has operated a total of 15 aircraft carriers, with the most recent ones being the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers. In this article, we will take a look at 5 of the most notable UK aircraft carriers, their history, and their significance.
HMS Ark Royal (R09)
The HMS Ark Royal (R09) was a Invincible-class aircraft carrier that was commissioned in 1985 and decommissioned in 2011. It was one of the three Invincible-class carriers, along with HMS Invincible and HMS Illustrious. The Ark Royal played a significant role in several military operations, including the Falklands War and the Iraq War. It was also used as a command ship during the Libyan Civil War.
HMS Illustrious (R06)
The HMS Illustrious (R06) was another Invincible-class aircraft carrier that was commissioned in 1982 and decommissioned in 2014. It was the second Invincible-class carrier to be built and was known for its distinctive ski-jump ramp. The Illustrious played a significant role in several military operations, including the Falklands War and the Bosnian War. It was also used as a command ship during the Sierra Leone Civil War.
HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08)
The HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) is a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier that was commissioned in 2017. It is the largest warship ever built for the Royal Navy and is capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft. The Queen Elizabeth is equipped with the latest technology, including a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) system and a phased array radar system. It is expected to play a significant role in future military operations, including the defence of the UK and its overseas territories.
HMS Prince of Wales (R09)
The HMS Prince of Wales (R09) is the second Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier and was commissioned in 2019. It is similar to the Queen Elizabeth but has some differences in its design and equipment. The Prince of Wales is also equipped with the latest technology, including a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) system and a phased array radar system. It is expected to play a significant role in future military operations, including the defence of the UK and its overseas territories.
HMS Invincible (R05)
The HMS Invincible (R05) was the lead ship of the Invincible-class aircraft carriers and was commissioned in 1980. It played a significant role in several military operations, including the Falklands War and the Gulf War. The Invincible was decommissioned in 2005 and was eventually sold for scrap.
🚨 Note: The UK's aircraft carriers have played a significant role in the country's military history and continue to do so today.
In terms of their capabilities, the UK’s aircraft carriers are equipped with a range of aircraft, including: * F-35B Lightning II fighter jets * Apache helicopters * Merlin helicopters * Wildcat helicopters
The following table provides a comparison of the 5 UK aircraft carriers mentioned in this article:
Aircraft Carrier | Class | Commissioned | Decommissioned |
---|---|---|---|
HMS Ark Royal | Invincible | 1985 | 2011 |
HMS Illustrious | Invincible | 1982 | 2014 |
HMS Queen Elizabeth | Queen Elizabeth | 2017 | Still in service |
HMS Prince of Wales | Queen Elizabeth | 2019 | Still in service |
HMS Invincible | Invincible | 1980 | 2005 |
To summarize, the UK’s aircraft carriers have played a significant role in the country’s military history and continue to do so today. The Queen Elizabeth-class carriers are the latest additions to the Royal Navy’s fleet and are equipped with the latest technology. The UK’s aircraft carriers are capable of carrying a range of aircraft and are expected to play a significant role in future military operations.
What is the largest aircraft carrier operated by the UK?
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The largest aircraft carrier operated by the UK is the HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08), which is a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier.
What is the difference between the Invincible-class and Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers?
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The main difference between the Invincible-class and Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers is their size and capabilities. The Queen Elizabeth-class carriers are larger and more advanced, with a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) system and a phased array radar system.
What aircraft are carried on the UK’s aircraft carriers?
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The UK’s aircraft carriers carry a range of aircraft, including F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, Apache helicopters, Merlin helicopters, and Wildcat helicopters.