Graphic shows details of HMS Queen Elizabeth.
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MILITARY

New UK aircraft carrier due for commissioning

By Mike Tyler

December 7, 2017 - HMS Queen Elizabeth is the first of a new class of aircraft carriers that will be the biggest and most powerful warships ever constructed for the Royal Navy, designed to serve Britain for 50 years.

The 65,000-tonne vessel is the largest warship ever constructed for the United Kingdom's Royal Navy, and is the world’s largest aircraft carrier outside of the United States. It is capable of deploying the next-generation F-35 joint strike fighter.

Her Majesty the Queen is due to formally commission the carrier into the Royal Navy fleet on December 7. Flying trials with helicopters and the F-35 will start in 2018.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 22/11/2017; STORY: Graphic News
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