The Royal Navy's Latest Aircraft Carrier: 7 Facts About HMS Prince of Wales
The HMS Prince of Wales is the second Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier built for the Royal Navy. The ship is named after Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, and is expected to play a significant role in the UK’s naval capabilities. Here are seven interesting facts about the HMS Prince of Wales:
Design and Construction
The HMS Prince of Wales was built by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a partnership between BAE Systems, Thales Group, Babcock International, and the UK Ministry of Defence. The ship’s design is based on the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, with a few modifications to improve its performance and capabilities.
🚨 Note: The HMS Prince of Wales is the second Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, with the first being HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Size and Displacement
The HMS Prince of Wales has a length of 280 meters (920 feet) and a beam of 39 meters (128 feet). The ship has a displacement of 65,000 tons, making it one of the largest warships in the world.
Aircraft Capacity
The HMS Prince of Wales has a flight deck that can accommodate up to 40 aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II and the Merlin helicopter. The ship’s hangar can hold up to 20 aircraft, and it has a ski-jump ramp to assist with takeoffs.
Propulsion and Speed
The HMS Prince of Wales is powered by two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines and four diesel generators. The ship has a top speed of over 25 knots (46 km/h) and a range of over 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km).
Armament and Defence
The HMS Prince of Wales is equipped with a range of armaments, including:
- 30mm guns for air defence
- Phalanx close-in weapon systems
- Sea Ceptor missile systems
- Land Attack and Long Range anti-Ship missiles
The ship also has a range of electronic warfare systems and radar systems to detect and track enemy aircraft and missiles.
Crew and Accommodation
The HMS Prince of Wales has a crew of over 1,000 personnel, including sailors, officers, and airmen. The ship has accommodation for up to 1,600 personnel, including messes, galley, and recreational facilities.
Operational History
The HMS Prince of Wales was commissioned into the Royal Navy in December 2019. The ship has undergone sea trials and is expected to be fully operational by 2023. The HMS Prince of Wales will play a key role in the UK’s naval capabilities, including supporting NATO operations and protecting British interests around the world.
| Ship Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 280 meters (920 feet) |
| Beam | 39 meters (128 feet) |
| Displacement | 65,000 tons |
| Aircraft capacity | Up to 40 aircraft |
| Top speed | Over 25 knots (46 km/h) |
| Range | Over 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km) |
The HMS Prince of Wales is an impressive warship that will play a significant role in the UK’s naval capabilities. With its advanced design, powerful propulsion system, and state-of-the-art armaments, the ship is well-equipped to support a range of operations around the world.
In summary, the HMS Prince of Wales is a powerful and advanced warship that will play a key role in the UK’s naval capabilities. With its impressive size, advanced propulsion system, and state-of-the-art armaments, the ship is well-equipped to support a range of operations around the world.
What is the HMS Prince of Wales used for?
+
The HMS Prince of Wales is an aircraft carrier that will play a key role in the UK’s naval capabilities, including supporting NATO operations and protecting British interests around the world.
How many aircraft can the HMS Prince of Wales carry?
+
The HMS Prince of Wales has a flight deck that can accommodate up to 40 aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II and the Merlin helicopter.
What is the top speed of the HMS Prince of Wales?
+
The HMS Prince of Wales has a top speed of over 25 knots (46 km/h).
