Queen Elizabeth Class

Queen Elizabeth’s second island rolled out as carrier nears outward completion

Another giant piece of the jigsaw that is the Navy’s future carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is finished with her aft island rolled out of the construction shed. Image courtesy of BAE Systems

Queen Elizabeth’s second island rolled out as carrier nears outward completion

Another giant piece of the jigsaw that is the Navy’s future carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is finished with her aft island rolled out of the construction shed. Image courtesy of BAE Systems

Queen Elizabeth’s second island rolled out as carrier nears outward completion

Another giant piece of the jigsaw that is the Navy’s future carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is finished with her aft island rolled out of the construction shed. Image courtesy of BAE Systems

Queen Elizabeth Class

First Sea Lord tours Queen Elizabeth class carrier

1SL VISITS HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH IN ROSYTH First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Sir Mark Stanhope GCB, OBE, ADC visited the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier, Queen Elizabeth which is under construction at Rostyh Dockyard. 1st Sea Lord was shown around the ship by B.A.E. System workers and members of the Royal Navy. Image by- L(PHOT) Paul Halliwel-l 45 Royal Marines Commando.

First Sea Lord tours Queen Elizabeth class carrier

1SL VISITS HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH IN ROSYTH First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Sir Mark Stanhope GCB, OBE, ADC visited the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier, Queen Elizabeth which is under construction at Rostyh Dockyard. 1st Sea Lord was shown around the ship by B.A.E. System workers and members of the Royal Navy. Image by- L(PHOT) Paul Halliwel-l 45 Royal Marines Commando.

Navy’s new carrier practises crucial refuelling using scale models

Navy’s new carrier practises crucial refuelling using scale models

Navy’s new carrier practises crucial refuelling using scale models

Navy’s new carrier practises crucial refuelling using scale models

Defence Secretary Pushes Carrier Build Forward

Defence Secretary Pushes Carrier Build Forward

Forward island of HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives on the Forth

Forward island of HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives on the Forth

Forward section of HMS Queen Elizabeth is completed

Forward section of HMS Queen Elizabeth is completed

Forward section of HMS Queen Elizabeth is completed

HMS Queen Elizabeth Bridge Sets Sail

HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH BRIDGE SETS SAIL The forward island of HMS Queen Elizabeth left Portsmouth today bound for Scotland where she will be joined to the rest of the Royal Navy’s future flagship. The iconic structure began its 550-mile journey to Rosyth, Scotland, where the rest of the ship has been assembled in the specially-extended Dock No.1. Watching the departure of the 680-tonne island, which took four days to secure to the barge and has been weather-proofed for its first sea voyage, were many of the BAE workers who built it. Paul Bowsher, QE Class project leader for BAE Systems in Portsmouth, said: “Today is a day of celebration – it is both an important and iconic milestone in the programme to build the nation’s new flagships.” “The delivery of the forward island marks a new and exciting phase in the programme when we begin to really see the immense scale of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers as the first ship comes together at Rosyth.” She is the first block to depart with her final paint colours applied, all windows fitted and consoles installed, along with 43km of cables and 3,101 pipes. She also proudly displays the HMS Queen Elizabeth crest. The 680 tonne Forward Island will be lifted onto HMS Queen Elizabeth in March and stand taller than the Niagara Falls at 56 metres after the Long Range Radar has been installed on top.

HMS Queen Elizabeth Bridge Sets Sail

HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH BRIDGE SETS SAIL The forward island of HMS Queen Elizabeth left Portsmouth today bound for Scotland where she will be joined to the rest of the Royal Navy’s future flagship. The iconic structure began its 550-mile journey to Rosyth, Scotland, where the rest of the ship has been assembled in the specially-extended Dock No.1. Watching the departure of the 680-tonne island, which took four days to secure to the barge and has been weather-proofed for its first sea voyage, were many of the BAE workers who built it. Paul Bowsher, QE Class project leader for BAE Systems in Portsmouth, said: “Today is a day of celebration – it is both an important and iconic milestone in the programme to build the nation’s new flagships.” “The delivery of the forward island marks a new and exciting phase in the programme when we begin to really see the immense scale of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers as the first ship comes together at Rosyth.” She is the first block to depart with her final paint colours applied, all windows fitted and consoles installed, along with 43km of cables and 3,101 pipes. She also proudly displays the HMS Queen Elizabeth crest. The 680 tonne Forward Island will be lifted onto HMS Queen Elizabeth in March and stand taller than the Niagara Falls at 56 metres after the Long Range Radar has been installed on top.

HMS Queen Elizabeth Bridge Sets Sail

HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH BRIDGE SETS SAIL The forward island of HMS Queen Elizabeth left Portsmouth today bound for Scotland where she will be joined to the rest of the Royal Navy’s future flagship. The iconic structure began its 550-mile journey to Rosyth, Scotland, where the rest of the ship has been assembled in the specially-extended Dock No.1. Watching the departure of the 680-tonne island, which took four days to secure to the barge and has been weather-proofed for its first sea voyage, were many of the BAE workers who built it. Paul Bowsher, QE Class project leader for BAE Systems in Portsmouth, said: “Today is a day of celebration – it is both an important and iconic milestone in the programme to build the nation’s new flagships.” “The delivery of the forward island marks a new and exciting phase in the programme when we begin to really see the immense scale of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers as the first ship comes together at Rosyth.” She is the first block to depart with her final paint colours applied, all windows fitted and consoles installed, along with 43km of cables and 3,101 pipes. She also proudly displays the HMS Queen Elizabeth crest. The 680 tonne Forward Island will be lifted onto HMS Queen Elizabeth in March and stand taller than the Niagara Falls at 56 metres after the Long Range Radar has been installed on top.

HMS Queen Elizabeth Bridge Sets Sail

QUEEN ELIZABETH CARRIER BRIDGE SECTION SAILS FROM PORTSMOUTH The Forward Island section of Britain's new Aircraft carrier (Queen Elizabeth II) sailed from HMNB Portsmouth this morning. The final piece to be built in Portsmouth was towed by tugs on the long journey to Rosyth in Scotland where it will be joined to the already completed sections there.

HMS Queen Elizabeth Bridge Sets Sail

QUEEN ELIZABETH CARRIER BRIDGE SECTION SAILS FROM PORTSMOUTH The Forward Island section of Britain's new Aircraft carrier (Queen Elizabeth II) sailed from HMNB Portsmouth this morning. The final piece to be built in Portsmouth was towed by tugs on the long journey to Rosyth in Scotland where it will be joined to the already completed sections there.

HMS Queen Elizabeth Bridge Sets Sail

HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH BRIDGE SETS SAIL The forward island of HMS Queen Elizabeth left Portsmouth today bound for Scotland where she will be joined to the rest of the Royal Navy’s future flagship. The iconic structure began its 550-mile journey to Rosyth, Scotland, where the rest of the ship has been assembled in the specially-extended Dock No.1. Watching the departure of the 680-tonne island, which took four days to secure to the barge and has been weather-proofed for its first sea voyage, were many of the BAE workers who built it. Paul Bowsher, QE Class project leader for BAE Systems in Portsmouth, said: “Today is a day of celebration – it is both an important and iconic milestone in the programme to build the nation’s new flagships.” “The delivery of the forward island marks a new and exciting phase in the programme when we begin to really see the immense scale of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers as the first ship comes together at Rosyth.” She is the first block to depart with her final paint colours applied, all windows fitted and consoles installed, along with 43km of cables and 3,101 pipes. She also proudly displays the HMS Queen Elizabeth crest. The 680 tonne Forward Island will be lifted onto HMS Queen Elizabeth in March and stand taller than the Niagara Falls at 56 metres after the Long Range Radar has been installed on top.

HMS Queen Elizabeth Bridge Sets Sail

HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH BRIDGE SETS SAIL The forward island of HMS Queen Elizabeth left Portsmouth today bound for Scotland where she will be joined to the rest of the Royal Navy’s future flagship. The iconic structure began its 550-mile journey to Rosyth, Scotland, where the rest of the ship has been assembled in the specially-extended Dock No.1. Watching the departure of the 680-tonne island, which took four days to secure to the barge and has been weather-proofed for its first sea voyage, were many of the BAE workers who built it. Paul Bowsher, QE Class project leader for BAE Systems in Portsmouth, said: “Today is a day of celebration – it is both an important and iconic milestone in the programme to build the nation’s new flagships.” “The delivery of the forward island marks a new and exciting phase in the programme when we begin to really see the immense scale of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers as the first ship comes together at Rosyth.” She is the first block to depart with her final paint colours applied, all windows fitted and consoles installed, along with 43km of cables and 3,101 pipes. She also proudly displays the HMS Queen Elizabeth crest. The 680 tonne Forward Island will be lifted onto HMS Queen Elizabeth in March and stand taller than the Niagara Falls at 56 metres after the Long Range Radar has been installed on top.

Photographers capture sheer size of HMS Queen Elizabeth

Shot of Queen Elizabeth Bow

Photographers capture sheer size of HMS Queen Elizabeth

Middle bow being lowered into place over the bulbous bow

Photographers capture sheer size of HMS Queen Elizabeth

Panorama view of Queen Elizabeth

Photographers capture sheer size of HMS Queen Elizabeth

Graphic of HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier battle group accompanied by two Type 45 destroyers, an Astute-class submarine and an RFA fleet tanker

Power to Queen Elizabeth – mighty engines are installed on future carrier

Graphic of the Queen Elizabeth Class at sea

Power to Queen Elizabeth – mighty engines are installed on future carrier

Teams at Rosyth fit the first Gas Turbine

Power to Queen Elizabeth – mighty engines are installed on future carrier

Teams at Rosyth fit the first Gas Turbine

Surprise Visit for HMS Queen Elizabeth at Rosyth

Sir Ben Kingsley enjoyed the view of HMS Queen Elizabeth from the control cab of Goliath, one of the UK's biggest cranes

Surprise Visit for HMS Queen Elizabeth at Rosyth

Sir Ben Kingsley with some of the aircraft carrier workers at Rosyth

HMS Queen Elizabeth alongside in Portsmouth

HMS Queen Elizabeth leaves Portsmouth Harbour

HMS Queen Elizabeth berthed alongside the Palace of Westminster

Cropped

A graphic compares the QE class with other British icons

Scale

Captain Steps Foot On Carrier Bridge For First Time

The Senior Naval Officer in charge of The Queen Elizabeth , Capt Petitt, on the Main Bridge

Captain Steps Foot On Carrier Bridge For First Time

The Senior Naval Officer in charge of The Queen Elizabeth, Captain Petitt, talks to its Integrated Project Leader, Paul Bowsher, on the Main Bridge

Captain Steps Foot On Carrier Bridge For First Time

The Senior Naval Officer in charge of The Queen Elizabeth, Captain Petitt, talks to its Integrated Project Leader, Paul Bowsher, on the Main Bridge

Huge block of HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives at Rosyth

Huge block of HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives at Rosyth

Huge block of HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives at Rosyth

Huge block of HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives at Rosyth

Huge block of HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives at Rosyth

Huge block of HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives at Rosyth

USS Harry S Truman

120905-N-UP035-096 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 5,2012) The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) conducts flight operations. Harry S. Truman is underway conducting carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mick DiMestico/Released)

A Hornet prepares to land on the Truman's deck

121007-N-PL185-298 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 8, 2012) A group of distinguished visitors observe an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during flight operations. Harry S. Truman is underway conducting tailored ship’s training availability. America’s Sailors are Warfighters, a fast and flexible force deployed worldwide. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lorenzo J. Burleson/Released)

RN forecasters on Vultures' Row

121008-N-PL185-015 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 8, 2012) -- Royal Navy Leading Seaman Paul Allen, assigned to the Fleet Hydrographic and Meteorological unit based at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport in Plymouth, England, reads a kestrel device that measures environmental information aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Allen and Lt. Anna Townsend are embarked aboard Harry S. Truman through a Secretary of Defense initiative that seeks to ensure long-term cooperation between U.S. and United Kingdom military forces and will help the U.K. prepare Sailors to operate its future aircraft carriers. Harry S. Truman is underway conducting tailored ship’s training availability (TSTA). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lorenzo J. Burleson/Released)

An F18 Hornet about to touch down on deck

121014-N-AH647-013 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 14, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting tailored ship's training availability and group sail. The U.S. Navy is constantly deployed to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression through forward presence. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Cothran/Released)

LS Allen works with an American meteorologist

Lt Townsend discusses a forecast with a US colleague

Gigantic piece of HMS Queen Elizabeth sails to join the rest of the ship

Lower Block 04, the largest hull section of HMS Queen Elizabeth at 11,300 tonnes, sails down the Clyde to embark on her delivery voyage to Rosyth after leaving BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard earlier today. Pictures supplied for publication courtesty of BAE Systems Maritime - Naval Ships for use in conjunction with Press Released story. For Agencies - All News and Picture Agencies free to distribute pictures in conjunction with Press Released story only for 1 week. Not to be archived or resold as stock imagery. Many thanks John Linton 07986592673

Gigantic piece of HMS Queen Elizabeth sails to join the rest of the ship

Lower Block 04, the largest hull section of HMS Queen Elizabeth at 11,300 tonnes, sails down the Clyde to embark on her delivery voyage to Rosyth after leaving BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard earlier today. Pictures supplied for publication courtesty of BAE Systems Maritime - Naval Ships for use in conjunction with Press Released story. For Agencies - All News and Picture Agencies free to distribute pictures in conjunction with Press Released story only for 1 week. Not to be archived or resold as stock imagery. Many thanks John Linton 07986592673

Gigantic piece of HMS Queen Elizabeth sails to join the rest of the ship

Prime Minister visits 'Carrier Success Story'

Prime Minister Mr David Cameron visits HMS Queen Elizabeth assembly facility,Rosyth Scotland. Escorted by Mr Archie Bethel Chief Executive Babcock Marine Technology Division.Mr Cameron is introduced to Capt Simon Petitt Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth and Rear Admiral Steve Brunton Deputy Director Ships and Director Ship Acquisition in the MOD.

Prime Minister visits 'Carrier Success Story'

Prime Minister Mr David Cameron visits HMS Queen Elizabeth assembly facility,Rosyth Scotland. Escorted by Mr Archie Bethel Chief Executive Babcock Marine Technology Division.Mr Cameron is introduced to Capt Simon Petitt Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth and Rear Admiral Steve Brunton Deputy Director Ships and Director Ship Acquisition in the MOD.

Prime Minister visits 'Carrier Success Story'

Prime Minister Mr David Cameron visits HMS Queen Elizabeth assembly facility,Rosyth Scotland. Escorted by Mr Archie Bethel Chief Executive Babcock Marine Technology Division.Mr Cameron is introduced to Capt Simon Petitt Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth and Rear Admiral Steve Brunton Deputy Director Ships and Director Ship Acquisition in the MOD.

Prime Minister visits 'Carrier Success Story'

Prime Minister Mr David Cameron visits HMS Queen Elizabeth assembly facility,Rosyth Scotland. Escorted by Mr Archie Bethel Chief Executive Babcock Marine Technology Division.Mr Cameron is introduced to Capt Simon Petitt Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth and Rear Admiral Steve Brunton Deputy Director Ships and Director Ship Acquisition in the MOD.

Prime Minister visits 'Carrier Success Story'

Prime Minister Mr David Cameron visits HMS Queen Elizabeth assembly facility,Rosyth Scotland. Escorted by Mr Archie Bethel Chief Executive Babcock Marine Technology Division.Mr Cameron is introduced to Capt Simon Petitt Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth and Rear Admiral Steve Brunton Deputy Director Ships and Director Ship Acquisition in the MOD.

Prime Minister visits 'Carrier Success Story'

Prime Minister Mr David Cameron visits HMS Queen Elizabeth assembly facility,Rosyth Scotland. Escorted by Mr Archie Bethel Chief Executive Babcock Marine Technology Division.Mr Cameron is introduced to Capt Simon Petitt Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth and Rear Admiral Steve Brunton Deputy Director Ships and Director Ship Acquisition in the MOD.

Prime Minister visits 'Carrier Success Story'

Prime Minister Mr David Cameron visits HMS Queen Elizabeth assembly facility,Rosyth Scotland. Escorted by Mr Archie Bethel Chief Executive Babcock Marine Technology Division.Mr Cameron is introduced to Capt Simon Petitt Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth and Rear Admiral Steve Brunton Deputy Director Ships and Director Ship Acquisition in the MOD.

Prime Minister visits 'Carrier Success Story'

Prime Minister Mr David Cameron visits HMS Queen Elizabeth assembly facility,Rosyth Scotland. Escorted by Mr Archie Bethel Chief Executive Babcock Marine Technology Division.Mr Cameron is introduced to Capt Simon Petitt Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth and Rear Admiral Steve Brunton Deputy Director Ships and Director Ship Acquisition in the MOD.

Prime Minister visits 'Carrier Success Story'

Prime Minister Mr David Cameron visits HMS Queen Elizabeth assembly facility,Rosyth Scotland. Escorted by Mr Archie Bethel Chief Executive Babcock Marine Technology Division.Mr Cameron is introduced to Capt Simon Petitt Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth and Rear Admiral Steve Brunton Deputy Director Ships and Director Ship Acquisition in the MOD.

First Royal Crew join new Aircraft Carrier

FIRST ROYAL NAVY CREW JOIN NEW AIRCRAFT CARRIER The first sailors to join the Royal Navy’s brand new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth have arrived in Rosyth to become the key members in the team building the country’s most powerful warship. Eight personnel have become the first of many members of the ship’s company to join the ship and will now work alongside the Aircraft Carrier Alliance as the 65,000 tonne carrier begins to take shape. They will learn about the ship and technological advances and feed this in to developing the ship’s organisation, routines and procedures so that she is ready to sail and operate as soon as the yard has finished building. Due to be handed over to the Ministry of Defence in 2016, the HMS Queen Elizabeth will be huge at 280 metres in length and capable of embarking 40 aircraft – double the current capability of an aircraft carrier.

First Royal Crew join new Aircraft Carrier

FIRST ROYAL NAVY CREW JOIN NEW AIRCRAFT CARRIER The first sailors to join the Royal Navy’s brand new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth have arrived in Rosyth to become the key members in the team building the country’s most powerful warship. Eight personnel have become the first of many members of the ship’s company to join the ship and will now work alongside the Aircraft Carrier Alliance as the 65,000 tonne carrier begins to take shape. They will learn about the ship and technological advances and feed this in to developing the ship’s organisation, routines and procedures so that she is ready to sail and operate as soon as the yard has finished building. Due to be handed over to the Ministry of Defence in 2016, the HMS Queen Elizabeth will be huge at 280 metres in length and capable of embarking 40 aircraft – double the current capability of an aircraft carrier.

First Royal Crew join new Aircraft Carrier

FIRST ROYAL NAVY CREW JOIN NEW AIRCRAFT CARRIER The first sailors to join the Royal Navy’s brand new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth have arrived in Rosyth to become the key members in the team building the country’s most powerful warship. Eight personnel have become the first of many members of the ship’s company to join the ship and will now work alongside the Aircraft Carrier Alliance as the 65,000 tonne carrier begins to take shape. They will learn about the ship and technological advances and feed this in to developing the ship’s organisation, routines and procedures so that she is ready to sail and operate as soon as the yard has finished building. Due to be handed over to the Ministry of Defence in 2016, the HMS Queen Elizabeth will be huge at 280 metres in length and capable of embarking 40 aircraft – double the current capability of an aircraft carrier.

First Royal Crew join new Aircraft Carrier

FIRST ROYAL NAVY CREW JOIN NEW AIRCRAFT CARRIER The first sailors to join the Royal Navy’s brand new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth have arrived in Rosyth to become the key members in the team building the country’s most powerful warship. Eight personnel have become the first of many members of the ship’s company to join the ship and will now work alongside the Aircraft Carrier Alliance as the 65,000 tonne carrier begins to take shape. They will learn about the ship and technological advances and feed this in to developing the ship’s organisation, routines and procedures so that she is ready to sail and operate as soon as the yard has finished building. Due to be handed over to the Ministry of Defence in 2016, the HMS Queen Elizabeth will be huge at 280 metres in length and capable of embarking 40 aircraft – double the current capability of an aircraft carrier.

The First Sea Lord Visiting Lyster building

The First Sea Lord Visiting Lyster building

Steel Cutting for the Queen Elizabeth Class in Govan

Steel Cutting for the Queen Elizabeth Class in Govan

Steel Cutting for the Queen Elizabeth Class in Govan

Giant piece of the HMS Queen Elizabeth jigsaw slots into place

Giant piece of the HMS Queen Elizabeth jigsaw slots into place

Picture of Specialist Drilling Rig for prepping Portsmouth

Queen Elizabeth Class

Queen Elizabeth Class

QE Class Fwd Island

QE class Aft Island

QE Class Aerial View

QE Class Stern View

A section from the new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth

First block of Royal Navy’s new super carrier arrives at Rosyth – but was it beaten by pedal power?Today, 76 cyclists raced into the Babcock facility at Rosyth to complete an epic 500 mile cycling challenge raising more than £15,000 for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity on their way.The ‘Beat the Block’ contest was undertaken to mark the transportation of the 8000 tonne mid section of the Royal Navy’s first Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier, from BAE Systems shipyard at Govan on the River Clyde to its final outfitting and assembly destination at Babcock’s facilities at Rosyth on the Firth of Forth.The cyclists tracked the route of the sea travelling steel block on land and made overnight stops at Fort William, Elgin, Peterhead and St Andrews to raise money for the worthy cause, which supports men and women in the British armed forces.David McGinley, Babcock Business Development Director commented: “The enormous task of moving Lower Block 3 from Govan to Rosyth has been matched today by the energy and enthusiasm shown by all of the cyclists completing their journey at Rosyth’s No 1 dock.“The Aircraft Carrier Alliance places a huge importance on teamwork and many of the cyclists on this journey will now work side by side to continue the next phase of one the UK’s most important engineering projects here at Rosyth.”

A section from the new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth

First block of Royal Navy’s new super carrier arrives at Rosyth – but was it beaten by pedal power? Today, 76 cyclists raced into the Babcock facility at Rosyth to complete an epic 500 mile cycling challenge raising more than £15,000 for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity on their way. The ‘Beat the Block’ contest was undertaken to mark the transportation of the 8000 tonne mid section of the Royal Navy’s first Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier, from BAE Systems shipyard at Govan on the River Clyde to its final outfitting and assembly destination at Babcock’s facilities at Rosyth on the Firth of Forth. The cyclists tracked the route of the sea travelling steel block on land and made overnight stops at Fort William, Elgin, Peterhead and St Andrews to raise money for the worthy cause, which supports men and women in the British armed forces. David McGinley, Babcock Business Development Director commented: “The enormous task of moving Lower Block 3 from Govan to Rosyth has been matched today by the energy and enthusiasm shown by all of the cyclists completing their journey at Rosyth’s No 1 dock. “The Aircraft Carrier Alliance places a huge importance on teamwork and many of the cyclists on this journey will now work side by side to continue the next phase of one the UK’s most important engineering projects here at Rosyth.”

HMS Queen Elizabeth

Date 200911 Location Rosyth Dockyards, Fife. Photo by Mark Owens/HQ2Div. Photo caption: We have lift off! Defence Minister Peter Luff checks out Europe's biggest crane (Goliath) as it prepares to lift the first sections of the new royal Navy aircraft carriers into place. The huge task of assembling the Carriers begins this week at Rosyth Dockyard in Fife. The construction project is worth £billions to Scotland, creating and sustaining thousands of jobs. ASSEMBLY OF NEW ROYAL NAVY AIRCRAFT CARRIERS GETS UNDER WAY IN FIFE Preparations for the assembly of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers got off to a flying start today as Goliath, one of Europe Õs largest cranes, swung into action under the watchful eye of Min ister for Defence, Equipment and Support Peter Luff. The event, held at BabcockÕs shipyard in Rosyth, marks the official start of assembly of the first of two 65,000 tonne vessels Ð the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy. It will be followed by the first major lift in the programme later this week when the first section of the two deck high 8,000 tonne centre block, which includes a section of flight deck will be lifted on to the seven-deck high 8,000 tonne Lower Block 03, marking a major milestone in the build of the first of class, the Queen Elizabeth. The Minister said after touring the dockyard and meeting the workforce: ÒThis is an exciting week for the carrier programme and it is a huge privilege to witness what can only be described as history in the making. The job of building these truly formidable carriers is a huge challenge but we are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and skilled workforce who can rise to this challenge and provide the UK with its largest and most powerful aircraft carriers to date.Ó The vessels are being delivered by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance (ACA) made up of the MOD, Babcock, BAE Systems and Thales and with advanced construction underway at six shipyards across the UK , the Queen Elizabeth Class a

HMS Queen Elizabeth

HMS Queen Elizabeth

Date 200911 Location Rosyth Dockyards, Fife. Photo by Mark Owens/HQ2Div. Photo caption: We have lift off! Defence Minister Peter Luff checks out Europe's biggest crane (Goliath) as it prepares to lift the first sections of the new royal Navy aircraft carriers into place. The huge task of assembling the Carriers begins this week at Rosyth Dockyard in Fife. The construction project is worth £billions to Scotland, creating and sustaining thousands of jobs. ASSEMBLY OF NEW ROYAL NAVY AIRCRAFT CARRIERS GETS UNDER WAY IN FIFE Preparations for the assembly of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers got off to a flying start today as Goliath, one of Europe Õs largest cranes, swung into action under the watchful eye of Min ister for Defence, Equipment and Support Peter Luff. The event, held at BabcockÕs shipyard in Rosyth, marks the official start of assembly of the first of two 65,000 tonne vessels Ð the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy. It will be followed by the first major lift in the programme later this week when the first section of the two deck high 8,000 tonne centre block, which includes a section of flight deck will be lifted on to the seven-deck high 8,000 tonne Lower Block 03, marking a major milestone in the build of the first of class, the Queen Elizabeth. The Minister said after touring the dockyard and meeting the workforce: ÒThis is an exciting week for the carrier programme and it is a huge privilege to witness what can only be described as history in the making. The job of building these truly formidable carriers is a huge challenge but we are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and skilled workforce who can rise to this challenge and provide the UK with its largest and most powerful aircraft carriers to date.Ó The vessels are being delivered by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance (ACA) made up of the MOD, Babcock, BAE Systems and Thales and with advanced construction underway at six shipyards across the UK , the Queen Elizabeth Class a

artist’s impression of Joint Strike Fighters on the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth

The construction of the Armed Forces’ new aircraft carriers pressed forward today as Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal performed the steel cutting for the first of the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers at BVT Surface Fleet’s shipyard in Govan, Glasgow. Today’s ceremony marked the start of the manufacture of the Royal Navy’s largest ever warships. Together with the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft and the brand new Type 45 destroyers, they will form the cornerstone of Britain’s future ability to jointly project air power worldwide from land or sea at a time and place of UK’s choosing.The future aircraft carriers, to be named HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH and HMS PRINCE OF WALES, will be the biggest and most powerful surface warships ever constructed in the UK. They will provide our forces with world-class capabilities, supporting peace-keeping, conflict prevention and our strategic operational priorities. They will be a highly versatile and potent joint defence asset, able to meet the widest range of tasks.

JSF coming out of the shed at Fort Worth

BK-1 move from final assembly to the fuel barn

artist’s impression of Joint Strike Fighter flying away from HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales.

The construction of the Armed Forces’ new aircraft carriers pressed forward today as Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal performed the steel cutting for the first of the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers at BVT Surface Fleet’s shipyard in Govan, Glasgow. Today’s ceremony marked the start of the manufacture of the Royal Navy’s largest ever warships. Together with the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft and the brand new Type 45 destroyers, they will form the cornerstone of Britain’s future ability to jointly project air power worldwide from land or sea at a time and place of UK’s choosing.The future aircraft carriers, to be named HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH and HMS PRINCE OF WALES, will be the biggest and most powerful surface warships ever constructed in the UK. They will provide our forces with world-class capabilities, supporting peace-keeping, conflict prevention and our strategic operational priorities. They will be a highly versatile and potent joint defence asset, able to meet the widest range of tasks.