In a Tweet, personnel on the ship said of the clip: ‘Disclaimer: this video has been slowed down; F-35B moves significantly faster in real time!!’
Released on Oct. 16, 2019 on HMS Queen Elizabeth Twitter account, the cool slow-motion video in this post features the exciting moment a British F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet took off from HMS Queen Elizabeth’s flight deck for the first time.
The aircraft was Flown by Lt Cdr Matt Fooks-Bale, Royal Navy (RN).
In a Tweet, personnel on the ship said of the clip: ‘Disclaimer: this video has been slowed down; F-35 moves significantly faster in real time!!’
As we have already reported on Oct. 14 for the first time Royal Navy & RAF pilots have landed UK F-35 Lightning jets on HMS Queen Elizabeth to commence trials over the coming weeks.
These trials are aimed at testing the aircraft and personnel to ensure the aircraft are compatible with the carrier.
The tests involve mission planning, arming the aircraft using the ship’s Highly Automated Weapon Handling System, flying missions and debriefing on completion.
HMS Queen Elizabeth is the largest and most powerful vessel ever constructed for the Royal Navy. This awe-inspiring warship is capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft.
As well as state-of-the-art weaponry and communications systems, HMS Queen Elizabeth boasts five gyms, a chapel and a medical centre.
The flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth comes in at an enormous four acres, and will be used to launch the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter stealth jet. Four fighter jets can be moved from the hangar to the flight deck in just one minute.
The ship’s two propellers weigh 33 tonnes each. The powerplant behind them generates enough power to run 1000 family cars.
HMS Queen Elizabeth is an investment in Britain’s security, prosperity and place in the world. She will provide a conspicuous presence on the global stage, sending a clear message of reassurance to UK’s allies, and of defiance to those who would do the country harm.
As well as being a powerful deterrent and symbol of British influence, HMS Queen Elizabeth will replace HMS Ocean as the Royal Navy’s Fleet Flagship. As the Fleet’s principal ship, she will carry senior naval staff, receive foreign dignitaries, and act as a command and control centre for the entire Royal Navy.
The UK will declare Initial Operating Capability for Carrier Strike by the end of 2020. The first operational deployment for HMS Queen Elizabeth 617 Squadron and a squadron of US Marine Corps Lightning jets is due to take place in 2021.
Photo credit: RAF RN / HMS Queen Elizabeth
