Ark Royal completes overhaul; sea trials will start in July

Sea Power, May 2001

The U.K. Royal Navy's aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal has completed her $165 million overhaul. More than 200 members of the ship's company rejoined in April, and her new commanding officer is scheduled to report this month. As an economy measure Ark Royal was not fitted with the 30mm Goalkeeper close-in weapon system (CIWS) to replace her existing 20mm Mk 15 Phalanx CIWS, but numerous other systems and sensors have been upgraded.

Sea trials are scheduled to start in July, and a rededication ceremony is planned to be held in Portsmouth in November. The Ark Royal's sister ship, HMS Invincible, enters a period of reduced readiness this month before starting her overhaul sometime toward the end of the year; she is scheduled to return to service in 2003; the RN's third carrier, HMS Illustrious, is scheduled to start a 23month overhaul in the third quarter of next year.