HMS Queen Elizabeth?

[keithjs]

I know this is an aviation forum but does anyone know when the carrier is due back into Portsmouth? (or even where it is at this moment)?
If anyone could point me in the right direction I'd be very grateful. I've emailed the dockyard but no reply and I've tried shipfinder etc but no luck.Thanks in advance.

[tankbuster]

I thought it was in Portsmouth, it was a few days ago

[Pen Pusher]

From a post on FC from an article dated 03May18

HMS Queen Elizabeth is now alongside in Portsmouth naval base on England’s south coast, covered in tents and scaffolding for a 13-week capability insertion period in preparation for an inaugural transatlantic voyage in September. The ship will then conduct a long-awaited first flight trials with F-35B aircraft and is also expected to visit New York City.

Brian

[keithjs]

That's great, thanks for that chaps!

[tankbuster]

just checked it out, it is definitely there

[keithjs]

just checked it out, it is definitely there

Thank you. Is it still covered in tents and scaffolding as the article says?

[The Baron]

Saw it there yesterday. It still had a big white marquee on the flight deck.

[keithjs]

Saw it there yesterday. It still had a big white marquee on the flight deck.

Thank you. Where's the best place to get a boat trip around the harbour? Is Portsmaouth dockyard still the only option or do they go from the Gosport side too?

[Tom105]

The harbor tour goes from Gunwarf Quays and the Historic Dockyard
http://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/site-attractions/attractions/harbour-tours?gclid=CjwKCAjwxZnYBRAVEiwANMTRXwvQnSOpO3uuC_w0zgkIs2ukYUU8WJCoaLSDAkivDZU-pPxMLSytOBoCKigQAvD_BwE

[keithjs]

Many thanks Tom. Will make a day of it when the weather gets a little more reliable.

[keithjs]

Sorry to be a pain chaps but is the marquee still on deck?

[Bolar]

She put to sea this past weekend. Not sure if its for another shakedown before going to the U.S. or whether she's on her way now.

[RichCliff]

Currently sitting off Penzance

[Pen Pusher]

Broken?.

Brian

[keithjs]

Ah, right, thanks for that. I'll have to go down when shes back in then...whenever that might be...?

Interestingly the RN Dockyard website says she's still alongside...so much for that....

[Brevet Cable]

Bit of a thread resurrection...
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-queen-elizabeth-sets-off-for-f-35b-fighter-jet-trials

Royal Navy aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, departs her home port of Portsmouth today, bound for the USA to land fast jets on deck for the very first time.

Eight years since a British aircraft carrier last flew a fast jet from her decks, the 65,000-tonne carrier will embark two F-35B test aircraft, from the Integrated Test Force (ITF), based out of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

Around 200 supporting staff, including pilots, engineers, maintainers and data analysts will be joined by two ‘orange wired’ test aircraft, belonging to the ITF, which are expected to conduct 500 take offs and landings during their 11-week period at sea.
(snip)
The ship will conduct trials in UK waters over the coming days, before departing for the USA later this month.
She will be joined by RFA Tiderace and Plymouth-based type-23 frigate HMS Monmouth, as well as Merlin Mk2 helicopters from 820 Naval Air Squadron, RNAS Culdrose, Mk 4 Merlins from 845 Naval Air Squadron, RNAS Yeovilton and a contingent of Royal Marines from 42 Commando, Plymouth.

[Burleysway]

President Trump might also be paying her a visit......

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/h ... 96536.html

[keithjs]

Bit of a thread resurrection...
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-queen-elizabeth-sets-off-for-f-35b-fighter-jet-trials

Royal Navy aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, departs her home port of Portsmouth today, bound for the USA to land fast jets on deck for the very first time.

Eight years since a British aircraft carrier last flew a fast jet from her decks, the 65,000-tonne carrier will embark two F-35B test aircraft, from the Integrated Test Force (ITF), based out of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

Around 200 supporting staff, including pilots, engineers, maintainers and data analysts will be joined by two ‘orange wired’ test aircraft, belonging to the ITF, which are expected to conduct 500 take offs and landings during their 11-week period at sea.
(snip)
The ship will conduct trials in UK waters over the coming days, before departing for the USA later this month.
She will be joined by RFA Tiderace and Plymouth-based type-23 frigate HMS Monmouth, as well as Merlin Mk2 helicopters from 820 Naval Air Squadron, RNAS Culdrose, Mk 4 Merlins from 845 Naval Air Squadron, RNAS Yeovilton and a contingent of Royal Marines from 42 Commando, Plymouth.

Oh... Still didn't get down to see her...will have to wait till she comes back now which if the 11 weeks is accurate will be early November I assume...Ho hum....

[vulcan558]

Cannot see why they do not sale her around the uk a few times and have our jets do some practice on and off her.
If there is a problem she will not be that far from port, or any issues with the f35 they can get back to Marham.

Thought the jets where operational.
Or are the ones in the usa different.

[ericbee123]

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/why-f-3 ... sh-pilots/

After speaking to one of the pilots in the test programme, we understand that the UK only has three (BK1, 2 & 4) test jets that are “orange wired” to take data for post-flight analysis, the rest being operational aircraft. Therefore, it is highly likely that the jets to go on HMS Queen Elizabeth later this year will be “mostly, if not entirely, American but flown by UK pilots”.

https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/first- ... is-autumn/

“Four pilots will be assigned to fly two “orange-wired” F-35B ITF aircraft for the FOCT programme. These test aircraft are technically US-owned jets but the pilots will be British. During the trials, both aircraft will send data for analysis to QE which will be temporarily fitted with a telemetry system”