How Powerful Is HMS Queen Elizabeth? Facts You Must Know

The HMS Queen Elizabeth is not just the flagship of the Royal Navy. It’s a bold statement about Britain’s naval power and global ambitions. As one of the largest and most advanced warships ever built for the UK, this aircraft carrier is a true marvel of modern engineering.

But just how powerful is the HMS Queen Elizabeth? Today, we’ll take a closer look at the key features that make the HMS Queen Elizabeth a formidable force. We’ll explore its design, capabilities, and how it fits into the bigger picture of global naval strategy. 

So, let’s sail with us and find out if this carrier truly lives up to its reputation.

A Colossal Marvel

The HMS Queen Elizabeth is the lead ship of the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, which also includes HMS Prince of Wales. Built by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance,  this colossal ship was specifically designed to replace the aging Invincible-class carriers that had served the Royal Navy for years. Launched in 2014, the HMS Queen Elizabeth officially joined the fleet in 2017, marking a new era for naval power.

At first glance, the HMS Queen Elizabeth is nothing short of breathtaking. Weighing in at an astonishing 65,000 tonnes, this colossal ship stretches 284 meters long and 70 meters wide. To put that in perspective, it’s roughly equivalent to three football pitches lined up end to end! 

Watch: Exclusive An Inside Look at HMS Queen Elizabeth

With a cruising range of 10,000 nautical miles, the HMS Queen Elizabeth can sail vast distances without needing to refuel frequently, making it a true marvel of engineering. Plus, speaking of speed, it can reach up to 25 knots. This impressive capability allows for rapid deployment and flexibility in various naval operations, whether on humanitarian missions or during combat situations.

The power behind this remarkable carrier comes from two massive propellers, which together weigh a total of 66 tonnes and generate an incredible 80 megawatts of power. To give an idea of just how much energy that is, it’s enough to run about 50 high-speed trains simultaneously! Such immense power enables the carrier to navigate through various conditions with ease, ensuring readiness for any mission at a moment’s notice.

Dual-Island Design

What really makes the Queen Elizabeth stand out from traditional aircraft carriers is its clever dual-island design. While most carriers have a single control tower, the Queen Elizabeth boasts two smaller islands, each with a specific job. 

The front island takes care of the ship’s navigation and control, keeping the carrier on course and safe. Meanwhile, the aft island is all about flight operations, overseeing the launch and landing of aircraft. This unique setup has some great advantages.

By splitting these important tasks, the Queen Elizabeth reduces air turbulence on the flight deck, leading to smoother and more efficient aircraft operations. Plus, it creates more space for accommodating a larger fleet of aircraft and their gear. 

When we compare it to a carrier like the USS Gerald R. Ford, which sticks to the traditional single-island design, the differences become clear. The Ford’s larger island houses all of its advanced control systems, managing everything from navigation to flight operations in one place.

While both carriers aim for top-notch efficiency and performance, the Queen Elizabeth’s dual-island configuration really shines by minimizing turbulence on the flight deck. This reduction in turbulence not only makes for safer landings and takeoffs but also boosts the overall effectiveness of the carrier in action.

Aircraft Operations

Speaking of aircraft, the Queen Elizabeth can carry up to 72 aircraft, including 36 F-35B fighter jets. With this impressive fleet, the Royal Navy can take on a variety of missions, whether it’s dominating the skies over hostile regions or providing essential support to ground forces. 

The F-35B is a particularly versatile aircraft, featuring advanced stealth technology and the unique ability to take off and land both conventionally and vertically. This makes it perfect for operations in places with little to no runway space, like remote islands or during amphibious assaults.

When it comes to air operations, the Queen Elizabeth is built for speed and efficiency. It can handle a staggering 72 fast jet sorties in a single day and even ramp that number up during busy periods.

Thanks to its cutting-edge aircraft handling systems, this high operation rate is achievable. It features two efficient lifts that can quickly move 4 F-35 jets from the hangar to the flight deck in just 60 seconds, allowing for quick turnarounds.

Once the jets are ready, they take off from a six-meter-high ramp called the “ski-jump.” This clever design makes for smooth and efficient takeoffs, even in tough weather. With this setup, the Queen Elizabeth can quickly deploy its airpower, giving it a major edge in any conflict. 

Defense and Surveillance

In terms of defense, the Queen Elizabeth really knows how to protect itself. It’s armed with three Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems, which are basically its last line of defense against incoming threats.

Each Phalanx turret is armed with a radar-guided 20mm Vulcan cannon, capable of firing between 3,000 to 4,500 rounds per minute. With these powerful systems on board, the Queen Elizabeth is ready to tackle any threats that might come its way, whether from the sea or the sky.

But that’s not all. The ship also comes with some serious radar tech. Its Long Range Radar can track up to 1,000 targets within a 250-mile radius, giving the crew a clear view of what’s happening around them.

Then there’s the Artisan 3D radar, which is so advanced it can even track something as tiny as a tennis ball flying at three times the speed of sound. With this level of precision, nothing slips by unnoticed, providing the ship with crucial situational awareness.

And to top it off, the Crowsnest system, mounted on Merlin MK2 helicopters, acts as an airborne lookout. This “watchtower in the sky” uses a powerful radar to detect potential threats long before they become an issue, giving the crew plenty of time to react and keep the carrier safe.

Now, getting back to the key question, is the HMS Queen Elizabeth a powerful ship? Absolutely. While it may not be the largest carrier out there, its advanced features and capabilities make it a key asset for the Royal Navy.