July 2011

Construction starts on Portsmouth’s new island 

Housing the bridge and navigation systems for the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, the forward island is fundamental to the effective command and control of the vessel. The island also includes the vessel’s long range radar, providing wide area surveillance up to 400 kilometres.

Designed with a twin island configuration, the Queen Elizabeth Class will benefit from its flying operations being separated from the running of the vessels, resulting in maximum flexibility and greater control of flight deck operations. BAE Systems will also undertake the build of the aft island, which will be responsible for all air operations and air traffic control, with production expected to start in the autumn.

Second Sea Lord and Commander in Chief Naval Home Command, Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery CBE ADC cut the first steel

 Rudder Horn prepper to be fitted at Portsmouth

One of two rudder horns pictured below.

Flight Deck update at A&P

New aircraft carrier slowly taking shape at Glasgow's BAE Systems shipyard

This 800-ton hull section is just one massive piece of the world's biggest jigsaw puzzle.Lower Block 03 took one million man hours to complete and will form part of the centre of a Royal Navy Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier. The section was built by BAE Systems on the banks of the Clyde in Glasgow. The project is so big, the Govan shipyard had to extend the doors on their work shed, as well as reinforcing the Tarmac in their yard to take the weight. When completed, the section will include the hangar deck.

The impressive structure will also house 185 cabins, each sleeping up to eight people, as well as a gym, galley area and bakery