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HMS Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier

HMS Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier

Manufacturer: BAE Systems
Category: Aircraft Carriers
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Large Flight Deck 280 m, supports simultaneous STOVL operations
Onboard Air Wing 40+ aircraft, F-35B, helicopters
Advanced Command & Control Integrated CMS, CIC, AEW support
Defensive Weapon Systems CIWS, short-range SAMs, decoy systems

Full Specifications

1. Physical Characteristics

Ship Type	Aircraft Carrier
Class	Queen Elizabeth-class
Length	280 m
Beam (Width)	70 m
Flight Deck Width	70 m
Draft	11 m
Displacement (Full Load)	65,000 tons

2. Propulsion & Performance

Propulsion Type	Integrated Gas Turbine & Diesel
Powerplant	2 × Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines
Shafts	2
Maximum Speed	25+ knots
Range	10,000+ nm
Endurance	90 days at sea

3. Flight Operations

Aircraft Launch System	STOVL
Catapult Type	N/A
Recovery System	Arresting gear not required
Total Aircraft Capacity	40+
Hangar Capacity	Full-length hangar
Aircraft Types Supported	F-35B, AEW, ASW, transport helos

4. Sensors & Electronics

Primary Radar	Artisan 3D radar
Navigation Radar	Kelvin Hughes Nucleus system
Fire Control Radar	Supports CIWS and SAMs
Electronic Warfare Suite	ESM, ECM, decoys
Communication Systems	SATCOM, Link-16 compatible

5. Weapons & Defense Systems

CIWS	Phalanx CIWS
Short-Range SAMs	Sea Ceptor (CAMM)
Missile Launchers	Surface-defense only
Decoy Systems	Chaff, flares, electronic decoys

6. Command & Control

Combat Management System	Integrated CMS
Combat Information Center (CIC)	Central command hub
Air Operations Center	Manages flight ops
Data Links	SATCOM, Link-16

7. Crew & Capacity

Ship Crew	1,600
Air Wing Personnel	600
Total Complement	2,200

8. Construction & Cost

Shipbuilder/Manufacturer	BAE Systems, UK
Construction Started	2009
Commissioned	2017
Estimated Cost	$3.1B USD

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.8

Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 7 / 10
Payload Capacity 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Advanced STOVL flight deck for F-35B and helicopters
Modern sensors and integrated command systems
Large aircraft capacity for versatile mission profiles
High endurance and operational flexibility
Interoperable with NATO and U.S. naval forces

CONS

High construction and operational costs
Limited missile defensive capability compared to supercarriers
Requires specialized crew training for STOVL operations
Dependence on allied support for extended deployments
Vulnerable to long-range anti-ship missiles in high-threat environments

HMS Queen Elizabeth: UK’s Flagship Aircraft Carrier

The HMS Queen Elizabeth stands as the centerpiece of the Royal Navy’s naval power, representing one of the most advanced aircraft carriers in service today. Designed and built by BAE Systems in the United Kingdom, this Queen Elizabeth-class carrier reflects modern naval warfare’s emphasis on flexibility, air power projection, and integrated command capabilities.

Commissioned in 2017, HMS Queen Elizabeth was purpose-built to support short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft, primarily the F-35B Lightning II, alongside a variety of helicopters for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), airborne early warning (AEW), and transport roles. Its massive flight deck, spanning over 280 meters in length, allows for simultaneous flight operations, maximizing sortie rates and air power deployment.

Powered by conventional integrated gas turbine and diesel-electric systems, the carrier achieves speeds exceeding 25 knots, with endurance sufficient for 90 days at sea without replenishment. Its advanced command and control systems integrate radar, electronic warfare, and communication networks, enabling seamless coordination with allied forces in multi-domain operations.

HMS Queen Elizabeth is also designed with modern defensive capabilities, including Phalanx CIWS, short-range missile systems, and decoy launchers. Its 40+ aircraft air wing can execute strike, reconnaissance, and support missions, while onboard hangars and support facilities ensure rapid maintenance and deployment.

This carrier symbolizes the UK’s global naval reach and interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces, making it a strategic asset for power projection, maritime security, and humanitarian operations worldwide.

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