Invincible-class

Summary

Description

The Invincible class aircraft carriers were a trio of light carriers operated by the Royal Navy, comprising HMS Invincible, HMS Illustrious, and HMS Ark Royal. Designed during the Cold War to counter the Soviet submarine threat in the North Atlantic, these ships were envisioned as aviation-capable anti-submarine warfare platforms. Commissioned as a result of the cancellation of the 1960s aircraft carriers renewal programme, the Invincible class became the sole class of aircraft carriers in the Royal Navy.

The origins of the Invincible class can be traced back to an initial concept for a helicopter carrying escort cruiser. After the cancellation of the CVA-01 fleet aircraft carrier project, the role of the new cruiser design shifted to include command and control facilities for anti-submarine warfare force. The design evolved to what the Royal Navy termed a "through-deck cruiser," avoiding the term "aircraft carrier" initially for political and strategic reasons. Further design modifications incorporated the ability to operate VTOL aircraft following trials with the Hawker P.1127 and Kestrel on other carriers.

HMS Invincible, Illustrious, and Ark Royal saw action in various global hotspots, such as the South Atlantic during the Falklands War, the Adriatic in the Bosnian War, and the Middle East during the 2003 Iraq invasion. After their active service, Invincible was decommissioned in 2005, Ark Royal in 2011 following the Strategic Defence and Security Review, and Illustrious in 2014, which marked an interim period where the Royal Navy was without an aircraft carrier until HMS Queen Elizabeth was commissioned in December 2017.

The design of the Invincible class went through several iterations before arriving at the final 19,000-ton version with the capability to accommodate up to fourteen aircraft and the Sea Dart missile system. A significant development was the inclusion of the Sea Harrier VTOL aircraft, which necessitated design adjustments. Ski-jumps were later added, enhancing the carriers' capability to launch aircraft. The carriers also featured a secondary role as a helicopter carrier (LPH).

During operational history, particularly after the Falklands War, improvements were made to the Invincible class carriers. They were outfitted with close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for self-defense, underwent electronic countermeasures upgrades, and saw the removal of the Sea Dart system to improve aircraft operational capabilities. Post-Falklands modifications also saw the inclusion of new aircraft types into the air wing, including the Sea Harrier FA2 and, later, RAF Harrier GR7 ground attack variants. These adjustments were in response to the evolving nature of naval engagements and technological advancements.

Various countries expressed interest in the Invincible class, including Iran and Australia. However, events such as the Iranian Revolution and the Falklands War altered plans for these potential sales. Ultimately, these carriers remained a uniquely British capability until their decommissioning.

The Invincible class came to an end with the decommissioning of its last ships in the early 21st century, and the arrival of the larger Queen Elizabeth-class carriers marked a new era in British naval aviation. These new carriers significantly surpassed the Invincible class in size and capabilities, representing the Royal Navy's future in aircraft carrier operations.

Technical specifications

Photo of Invincible class