Aircraft Lifts Ordered for New Navy Carriers

(April 3, 2008) -- A contract for the manufacture of aircraft lifts for the Royal Navy's two new 65,000 tonne carriers was announced today by Defence Minister Baroness Ann Taylor.

The GBP13M contract, awarded to MacTaggart Scott of Loanhead, Scotland, means MoD orders for equipment, materials and infrastructure for the two ships, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, now total more than GBP160M.

Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, said:

"The aircraft lifts order announced today and the other equipment and steel already contracted are a clear demonstration of the steady progress towards commencing building work at the shipyards. Construction of the carriers will provide jobs for thousands of people across the UK, which is only fitting given that these ships will be a key element of our nation's defences."

MoD Defence Equipment and Support carrier project team leader Rear Admiral Bob Love said:

"Each of the carriers will have two huge lifts, which can lift 70 tonnes each - or two Joint Strike Fighters - from hangar to flight deck in 60 seconds. They are so powerful that together they could lift the weight of the entire ship's crew (1,450 people). We are working closely with industry participants as we move towards building these ships."

Source : UK MoD

Recent News / Press releases from UK MoD

• MoD Signs GBP 3 Bn Contracts for Aircraft Carriers [Defence] [ Thu 3 Jul 2008 ]
• RAF Typhoons Now Multi-Role Capable [Defence] [ Wed 2 Jul 2008 ]
• MoD Places GBP250 M Contracts for Support of Navy Supply Ships [Defence] [ Tue 1 Jul 2008 ]
• MoD Responds to NAO Report on Hercules C-130 Airlift Capability [Defence] [ Fri 27 Jun 2008 ]
• MoD Unveils New Protected Vehicles [Defence] [ Fri 27 Jun 2008 ]
• RAF's New Transport Aircraft is Unveiled [Defence] [ Fri 27 Jun 2008 ]
• GBP9 M Makeover for HMS Monmouth [Defence] [ Wed 18 Jun 2008 ]