Aft island falls into place

HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier will be structurally complete by the end of 2013

The aft island of HMS Queen Elizabeth has been lowered into place by Aircraft Carrier Alliance workers at Rosyth Dockyard in Fife.

The 30-metre-tall aft island was the final section of the aircraft carrier to arrive at the Rosyth assembly site. It was constructed in 90 weeks by workers at BAE Systems’ yard in Scotstoun.

A huge Goliath crane was used to lower the 750-tonne section, known as Upper Block 14, into place.

HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales promise to be the biggest and most powerful surface warships ever constructed for the Royal Navy.

Programme director Ian Booth said: “Moving this section into place is a momentous occasion for the programme. HMS Queen Elizabeth now has a completely unique and distinctive profile and, thanks to the dedication of thousands of workers, just a few sections remain to be assembled. She will be structurally complete by the end of this year.

Rear Admiral Steve Brunton added: "HMS Queen Elizabeth will be at the centre of the UK’s defence capability for the 50 years she is expected to be in service.”

This is the first aircraft carrier to use an innovative design of two islands. The forward island, which has already been erected, houses the ship’s bridge, while the aft island will house the air traffic control equipment, making it the centre of all onboard flight operations.