HMS Queen Elizabeth begins second sea trials
HMS Queen Elizabeth has sailed from Portsmouth Naval Base to begin the second phase of her sea trials, the Royal Navy announced on 30 October.
The aircraft carrier arrived at her home port in Portsmouth in August. During the first phase of sea trials, conducted earlier this year, the ship demonstrated platform stability and manoeuvrability.
The vessel will now be at sea for the next month and will be delivered to the Royal Navy by the end of 2017.
Captain Bill Oliphant, Captain of Portsmouth Naval Base, said: ‘This period at sea will mark a significant milestone in the life of the ship leading towards her acceptance into the Royal Navy at her commissioning later this year, back in her home port of Portsmouth.’
HMS Prince of Wales, the second of the fleet’s incoming aircraft carriers, is in the final phases of construction in Rosyth Dockyard and is expected to be floated out of its dock next spring.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)]()
Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)
In an era of swarming drones, proliferating missiles and saturation attacks, naval air defence must combine cutting-edge effectiveness with low cost per intercept. Israel’s Rafael is applying its long expertise to help navies adapt to emerging threats, while looking to a future of laser technology – and beyond.
-
![US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme]()
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
![Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist]()
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist
Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027]()
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
