Prince of Wales

The UK Royal Navy’s second Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, has been successfully installed with the bow section, marking the outward completion of its forward section.

The 620t block was raised using a Goliath crane and placed on the front of the ship in the dry dock.

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Aircraft Carrier Alliance Prince of Wales in charge Angus Holt said: "Seeing the forward island in position on the flight deck marks a highly-visible achievement in the assembly programme.

"And with her bow now attached she is taking on the appearance of the immensely-powerful aircraft carrier she will be when she enters service."

Constructed in four huge sections, the upper bow was built at the Appledore yard in Devon.

In addition, Aircraft Carrier Alliance recently fixed the forward island into position on the flight deck of the vessel.

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In March this year, HMS Prince of Wales saw the installation of the first of two gas turbines, which will form the ship’s main power plant.

"With her bow now attached she is taking on the appearance of the immensely-powerful aircraft carrier she will be when she enters service."

This 120t Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine engine will provide the 65,000t carrier with approximately one third of the power she needs for operations.

The power hub of Prince of Wales, with gas turbines and four diesel generators, will collectively generate approximately 109MW.

Construction of the HMS Prince of Wales is scheduled for completion in July 2016. The Prince of Wales will the begin sea trials in January 2019, followed by acceptance in August of the same year.

Delivered by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a joint initiative by BAE Systems, Thales UK, Babcock, and the UK Ministry of Defence, both aircraft carriers will represent Britain’s defence capability.

The first aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is preparing for scheduled sea trials in 2016.

Image: The Goliath Crane at Rosyth Naval Dockyard lifts the bow section of the Prince of Wales Aircraft Carrier. Photo: courtesy of Drew Farrell, BAE.