Three times the size of the Invincible Class Aircraft Carriers, these huge ships use the latest technology and equipment, enabling them to operate with a streamlined crew of 679.
A key driver is the carriers’ cutting-edge weapons handling system, which can move armaments to the flight deck six times faster, bringing the number of people required to operate the system down from 160 to just 48 crew members.
The separation and distribution of power generation machinery on the QE Class increases the survivability of the ships, while the electric propulsion system enables the prime movers to operate more efficiently, reducing less fuel consumption and running costs.
The highly integrated mission system is the brains of these ships. Bringing together tactical, navigation, command information and mission control data it can support multiple aircraft operations and task force group command functions. The twin islands design separates the running of the ship from this activity giving greater visibility of the complex flying operations.
With its complement of embarked aircraft the QE Class will be the centre piece of Britain’s military capability and will be versatile enough to be used for operations ranging from supporting war efforts to providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
Key Facts
- Displacement: 65,000 tonnes
- Length: 280 metres
- Maximum beam: 70 metres
- Top speed: 25 knots
- Range: 10,000 miles
- Crew size: 679
- Embarked forces: up to 921
Programme(s)
BAE Systems was the lead member of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a unique partnering relationship between BAE Systems, Babcock, Thales and the UK Ministry of Defence, working to deliver the two QE Class aircraft carriers.
We played a key role in the design and construction of the ships, with huge sections of the hulls and the island structures having being built by us at sites in Glasgow and Portsmouth. We were responsible for the development of the sophisticated mission systems with our employees working on the brains of these ships.
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The lights are on - she’s coming home
Portsmouth Harbour is all set to light the way for aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth when she comes home for Christmas later this month – with a little help from the BAE Systems diving team. -
Nation’s flagship takes to sea for the first time
History was made today as HMS Queen Elizabeth, the first QE Class aircraft carrier, set sail from Rosyth to commence first stage sea trials off the north-east of Scotland. -
Bringing the Royal Navy’s Flagship to life
The Ship’s Company of HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH has now taken up residence on board the nation’s future flagship. -
Ship’s Company have a flipping good time on Pancake Day
HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Ship’s Company were visited by renowned Scottish chef, Tony Singh MBE, who cooked up a storm to mark the annual baking bonanza of Shrove Tuesday. -
New gangways to support Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers
Two huge state-of-the-art gangways built to meet the unique demands of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers have arrived at Portsmouth Naval Base. -
Specialist centre to support aircraft carriers takes shape
A new centre containing facilities to support the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers is nearing completion at Portsmouth Naval Base.
Queen Elizabeth
Class Programme
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Ex-forces team recreate Cockleshell Hero expedition for charityA group of ex-servicemen are set to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Frankton, a daring World War II mission, by retracing the kayaking route of ten Royal Marines to raise money for three Armed Forces charities.
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First Type 26 Frigate to enter the water for the first timeThe first Type 26 City Class frigate, HMS GLASGOW, has begun the float off process, which will see her enter the water for the first time.
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BAE Systems awarded £4.2bn contract to build five more Type 26 frigates in GlasgowThe UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a £4.2bn contract to BAE Systems to manufacture the next five City Class Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy in Glasgow.
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Ex-forces team recreate Cockleshell Hero expedition for charityA group of ex-servicemen are set to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Frankton, a daring World War II mission, by retracing the kayaking route of ten Royal Marines to raise money for three Armed Forces charities.
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First Type 26 Frigate to enter the water for the first timeThe first Type 26 City Class frigate, HMS GLASGOW, has begun the float off process, which will see her enter the water for the first time.
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BAE Systems awarded £4.2bn contract to build five more Type 26 frigates in GlasgowThe UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a £4.2bn contract to BAE Systems to manufacture the next five City Class Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy in Glasgow.
