HMS Ark Royal

[RebAl]

HMS Ark Royal entering the River Tyne day before yesterday at 4pm

During her busy life the ship has seen service around the globe in many different roles, including as Fleet Flagship. The ship was deployed in early 2003 leading the UK’s naval forces during Op Telic. After a short period in Extended Readiness Ark Royal moved to Rosyth for modernisation and modification prior to rejoining the fleet as the Royal Navy’s most up to date aircraft carrier. She is currently operating in the Commando Carrier role, capable of carrying an Embarked Military Force of approximately 400 Royal Marines or Army, as well as operating Chinook, Lynx, Apache, and Sea King helicopters.

[Greg C.]

Nice pics Al! Thanks for sharing.

[neferetus]

As I was dragging the bar at the bottom of the screen in order to be able to view the entire image, it was like actually watching the ship go by.

[Bromhead24]

I can't see any missle defence systems, surely she has them (beautiful ship btw)

[Bromhead24]

I take that back, i do see one phalanx on the bow but she should have at least six

[RebAl]

bromhead24 said:

I take that back, i do see one phalanx on the bow but she should have at least six

I thought you might like those pictures.

[seguin]

Nice pics! I was aboard an American aircraft carrier visiting Copenhagen in 1966. I remember it did´nt have an upwards curved landing strip as this one has. It must be a modern improvement...

[RebAl]

seguin said:

Nice pics! I was aboard an American aircraft carrier visiting Copenhagen in 1966. I remember it did´nt have an upwards curved landing strip as this one has. It must be a modern improvement...

Ski Jump Ramps

Still another British invention was the ski-jump ramp as an alternative to contemporary catapult systems. As the Royal Navy retired or sold the last of its World War II-era carriers, they were replaced with smaller ships designed to operate helicopters and the VTOL Sea Harrier fast jet; ships such as HMS Invincible. The ski-jump allowed Harriers to take off with heavier loads, a STOVL option allowing them to take off with a heavier payload despite its usage of space for aircraft parking. It has since been adopted by the navies of several nations.

[invodiaaxiomo]

I can't see the pictures!