The Manufacturing Phase contract for the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales was signed on the 3rd July 2008. Since then much progress has been made with the development of the design of the carriers, the procurement of equipment and civil engineering works in preparation for the start of full scale production in July this year. This paper provides an outline description of some of the key technologies incorporated within the carriers and describes the alliance arrangements that will ensure best value for money for the RN. The build strategy involves the building of substantial blocks of fully outfitted structure at various locations throughout the UK, these blocks then being transported to Rosyth where they will be assembled and integrated to complete the fully functioning aircraft carrier. This build strategy involves novel engineering challenges in the construction, transportation, assembly and integration of the blocks.
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