Tugs have mounted a huge operation to move supercarrier HMS Queen Elizabeth out of Rosyth Dockyard.
Video provided courtesy of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance.
Admiral Sir Philip Jones First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff said:
“This is a hugely significant moment for the Royal Navy, for all our Armed Forces and for our island nation. Once in service HMS Queen Elizabeth will be the largest aircraft carrier in the world outside the United States, and the first designed from the outset to operate a fifth generation aircraft.
Already this ship represents the best of the UK’s industrial and engineering expertise, and once in service she will symbolise our military power and authority in the world for decades to come. There is still much work to do between now and then, but be in no doubt: a new era of British maritime power is about to begin.”
The sea trials will monitor speed, manoeuvrability, power and propulsion as well as undertaking weapons trials and additional tests on her levels of readiness.
Following this initial period, HMS Queen Elizabeth will return to Rosyth for further testing and maintenance before heading back to sea for a second stage which aims to test her Mission Systems. She will transit to her home port of Portsmouth Naval Base to be handed over to the Royal Navy later this year.
Sharp eyed viewer…there is no phalanx or self defence weaponry on HMS QE at this time. If phalanx and 30mm guns are going to be fitted later that gives me some hope that a number of sea ceptor missiles could be fitted before she enters service. Come on Fallon it has to be done! We cannot have a £3billion strike carrier with no area or point defence missile system. Lets get real here every other strike carrier in the world has either short range or area SAM to supplement its escort and help safeguard against a saturation missile attack. Which… Read more »