Ark Royal was the sister ship to HMS Eagle, and was an Audacious-class Aircraft carrier. She was launched in 1950, and her completion took five more years.She had a 5.5° partially angled flight deck, two steam catapults capable of launching aircraft weighing up to 30,000 pounds (14,000 kg), a deck-edge lift on the port side (the first British ship to be fitted with such a device), modified armament, and the new mirror landing system. Ark Royal was the first ship to be constructed with an angled flight deck and steam catapults, as opposed to having them added after launching. These innovations allowed aircraft to land and take off from the carrier at the same time. Her flight deck as built was 800 by 112 feet (244 by 34 m). From 1967 to February 1970, she underwent a refit which was a major rebuild to her structure which allowed her to comfortably operate the larger Phantom and Buccaneer Mk.2 aircraft, modifications included a full 8.5° angled flight deck, new and far more powerful steam catapults, bridle-catchers, heavy grade jet-blast deflectors, and heavy-weight arrestor cables. Extensive rewiring and new electrical systems were put in. A modified island and a partially new electronic suite were also added, though some of her original radars, such as 983 heightfinders were retained and she received two double array 966 versions of the standard RN 965 long range system and one of the new 986 sets. Her flight deck size was increased port aft however, giving her extra deck-park space for her airgroup. She left service in 1978, and was decommissioned in 1979. #Aircraft_carrier #Audaciousclass #HMS_Ark_Royal #Navy #R09 #Royal_Navy #ship
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