Hms Prince Of Wales Aircraft Carrier Overview

The HMS Prince of Wales is a mighty Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier operated by the Royal Navy. This behemoth of a ship is designed to project British military power and provide a flexible and versatile platform for a variety of tasks, from humanitarian assistance to high-intensity combat.

As the second ship in the Queen Elizabeth class, the HMS Prince of Wales is an impressive sight to behold, measuring over 280 meters in length and displacing over 65,000 tons of water. Its flight deck is designed to accommodate a range of aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II and the Merlin helicopter, making it an essential component of British naval aviation.

Design and Construction

The HMS Prince of Wales was built by a consortium of British shipbuilders, including BAE Systems, Babcock International, and Thales Group. Construction began in 2011, and the ship was launched in 2017. It was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 2019, marking a significant milestone in British naval history.

The ship's design is based on the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, which was developed to provide a flexible and versatile platform for a range of tasks. Its flight deck is designed to accommodate a range of aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II, which is the primary fighter jet used by the Royal Navy.

Key Features

• Length: 280 meters (919 feet)
• Beam: 39 meters (128 feet)
• Displacement: 65,000 tons
• Speed: 25 knots (46 km/h)
• Range: 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km)
• Crew: 700-800 personnel
• Aircraft capacity: Up to 40 aircraft

Capabilities

The HMS Prince of Wales is designed to provide a range of capabilities, including:

Air Power

• The ship's flight deck can accommodate up to 40 aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II and the Merlin helicopter.
• The ship's hangar is designed to accommodate a range of aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters.

Amphibious Operations

• The ship is designed to support amphibious operations, with a well deck that can accommodate a range of landing craft and amphibious vehicles.
• The ship's flight deck can also be used to support amphibious operations, with helicopters and other aircraft providing air support.

Humanitarian Assistance

• The ship is designed to provide humanitarian assistance, with a range of facilities and equipment to support disaster relief and other humanitarian operations.
• The ship's flight deck can be used to support humanitarian operations, with helicopters and other aircraft providing air support.

Operations

The HMS Prince of Wales has been involved in a range of operations since its commissioning in 2019. These have included:

NATO Exercises

• The ship has participated in a range of NATO exercises, including Exercise Formidable Shield 2020.
• The ship has also participated in Exercise Joint Warrior 2020, a major UK-led exercise that involves a range of NATO and partner nations.

Humanitarian Assistance

• The ship has provided humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters, including Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
• The ship has also provided humanitarian assistance in response to refugee crises, including the 2020 refugee crisis in the Mediterranean.

Future Plans

The HMS Prince of Wales is expected to play a major role in British naval operations in the coming years. The ship is expected to be involved in a range of operations, including:

Carrier Strike Group

• The ship is expected to be part of the UK's Carrier Strike Group, which will also include the HMS Queen Elizabeth and a range of other ships and aircraft.

NATO Exercises

• The ship is expected to participate in a range of NATO exercises, including Exercise Formidable Shield 2022.
• The ship is also expected to participate in Exercise Joint Warrior 2022, a major UK-led exercise that involves a range of NATO and partner nations.

Gallery of HMS Prince of Wales Images

HMS Prince of Wales Image Gallery

The HMS Prince of Wales is a powerful symbol of British military power and a versatile platform for a range of operations. Its capabilities make it an essential component of British naval aviation, and its involvement in a range of operations demonstrates its importance to the UK's defense strategy.