HMS Ark Royal (R07)

History of the Ark Royal (R07)

HMS Ark Royal (formerly HMS Indomitable) represents a fitting addition to British naval power at the end of the century, considering the name has been used for decades in other forms, including aircraft carriers that served in World War II. The launch of the new airline comes as the fleet carrier plan has all but disappeared from Royal Navy considerations and a new initiative is being launched to have an airline operate a fleet of Sea King helicopters.

Late in development, it became clear that the RAF Harrier would also be a prime candidate for an aircraft carrier (known as the Sea Harrier in the Royal Navy inventory), and the role of Ark Royal was formalized.

Classified is a "light" aircraft carrier, part of the Invincible class of British aircraft carriers. Ark Royal has a variety of aircraft configurations, including the Sea Harrier Jumper (fighter and bomber versions), Sea King and Merlin helicopters, with the standard group consisting of 5 Harriers and 10 Sea Kings. Her most notable feature is the sloping ramp at the edge of her flight deck, which is located on the port side and has a superstructure on the starboard side.

Self-defense is achieved through a series of 3 x Phalanx CIWS anti-missile systems and an additional 2 x 20mm anti-aircraft guns. In addition, the class can be fitted with a dual Sea Dart surface-to-air missile launcher (later removed in 1999) to strengthen defenses against past design weaknesses.

After a decade-long overhaul of herself and her sister ship, Ark Royal took part in the 2003 Iraq invasion, making the most of her offshore jumping jets and helicopters. While by no means a perfect but successful design, by 2016 she will be officially replaced by the new, more powerful HMS Prince of Wales. There have been many faces under the name Ark Royal throughout British naval history, and this particular face carries on the pride and advancement of previous forms.

This modernized version of the Ark Royal was first ordered in late 1978 and laid in the same year. She was launched in 1981, officially commissioned in 1985, and has served ever since.

Thousands of British personnel and civilians said goodbye to HMS Ark Royal on 22 January 2011. The Ark Royal's decommissioning comes in line with recent nationwide "austerity measures" in a difficult economic environment.

The Queen herself last visited the ship in November 2010 to mark her 25th anniversary of service with the Royal Navy. HMS Ark Royal retired about three years earlier than originally planned.

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