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Queen Elizabeth Class Programme

Built by the nation; for the nation
We are extremely proud of the valuable contribution we make to the Queen Elizabeth Class Carrier programme, working as part of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance.  The QE Class Carriers represent an engineering challenge of unprecedented scale and complexity for the United Kingdom; a national endeavour, involving six shipyards and 10,000 people.
 
Our expertise in the design and construction of complex warships ensures the QE Class Carriers are 21st century ships for a 21st century navy, providing military operation, humanitarian and disaster relief around the world for the next fifty years.  Our contribution takes on many forms ranging from construction of huge sections of the hull at our sites in Glasgow and Portsmouth to the complex integration of the F-35B aircraft.  Our technology runs throughout the carrier helping to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency and our sophisticated mission systems are the brains of the ships.  Beyond the actual ships we are working alongside the UK Ministry of Defence to oversee significant national investment into Portsmouth Naval Base; the future home of the QE Class Carriers.

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News

14 Jan 2021

New contract awarded to enhance F-35 support...

BAE Systems will lead two year agreement to bring enhanced maintenance and training services for the UK F-35 fleet.

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Workers inspecting an F-35 aircraft at RAF Marham
10 Dec 2018

BAE Systems Australia welcomes F-35s to...

BAE Systems Australia today congratulated the Royal Australian Air Force and Lockheed Martin on the arrival of the first two F-35 Joint...

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One of the first F-35 aircraft to arrive at RAAF Base Williamtown. Image courtesy Wayne Brown.
5 Dec 2018

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...

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16 Jul 2018

Royal Navy pilot hails ‘unique’ simulator’s role...

One of the UK's leading F-35 Lightning test pilots has spoken of the importance of a unique £2m flight simulator developed by BAE Systems...

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Image of Commander Nath Gray with F-35
11 Jul 2018

Electronic Warfare update

From the beginning of WWII to now, we've acquired more than 60 years of experience in EW to become the world leader in this technology.

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Two F-15 aircraft fly above the clouds. The sun sets in the distance. The aircraft in the foreground displays an artist’s rendering of electronic scanning.
9 Nov 2017

F-35A Lightning II airframe completes third life...

Successful completion of full scale durability test completed in structural test rig in our facility at Brough

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F-35A structural test completion Brough
12 Sep 2017

F-35 pilots from across the UK and Europe begin...

For the first time, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force pilots have teamed up with fellow F-35 pilots from Italy and the Netherlands to take...

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F-35 Trials
26 Jun 2017

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 trial...

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Image of employees waving goodbye to HMS Queen Elizabeth today
6 Jun 2017

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.

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Image of Ship's company on-board HMS Queen Elizabeth
31 Mar 2017

F-35 Lightning II's UK arrival moves closer with...

Readiness for the arrival of the UK’s first F-35 Lightning II jets took another step forward with the awarding of a contract by the US...

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F-35 Workstream 3 CGI
29 Mar 2017

Pilots begin flights in new F-35 Lightning II...

A world-leading flight engineering simulator created by BAE Systems is ready to be “flown” by F-35 Lightning II pilots for the first time...

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F-35 QEC simulator image
7 Nov 2016

Media statement: F-35 support work

BAE Systems welcomes today’s announcement from the F-35 Joint Program Office on the global Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul & Upgrade (MRO&U)...

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The F-35 Lightning II is designed from our STOVL technology legacy.
1 Sep 2016

New gangways to support Queen Elizabeth Class...

Two huge state-of-the-art gangways built to meet the unique demands of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers have arrived at...

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New gangways to support Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers have arrived at Portsmouth Naval Base.
12 Jul 2016

Software engineers play leading role in F-35...

Hundreds of our expert software engineers have played a leading role in creating software for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft that will be...

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A group of engineers work on an F-35
Naming ceremony highlight HMS Prince of Wales
Key Facts Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers
Infographic video Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers

Naming ceremony highlight

Key Facts

Infographic video

I am delighted to welcome HMS Queen Elizabeth to her new home at Portsmouth Naval Base. As a member of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, BAE Systems employees have played a vital role in bringing the ship to life. As operators of Portsmouth Naval Base on behalf of the Royal Navy, our employees will now help to take care of the nation’s new flagship. Today is a proud day for us all.

Nigel Whitehead, Group Managing Director

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Rachael Gordon
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