HMS Queen Elizabeth: Fighter jets to land on new aircraft carrier

HMS Queen Elizabeth is expected to embark on its first operational deployment in 2021

The UK's new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is to set sail to the US where fighter jets will land on its flight deck for the first time.

The Royal Navy's £3.1bn future flagship is expected to leave Portsmouth Naval Base at about 18:00 BST.

During the 65,000-tonne carrier's trip it will embark two US F-35B test aircraft, based in Maryland.

They are expected to carry out 500 landings and take-offs during the carrier's 11 weeks at sea.

The 65,000-tonne carrier has already undergone exercises with helicopters

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the trip would "strengthen our special relationship" with US forces.

Capt Jerry Kyd, the carrier's commanding officer, added: "Crossing a major ocean with 1,500 sailors, aircrew and marines embarked and the spectre of the first F-35B Lightning landing on the deck in September is very exciting for us all.

"It has been an incredible journey since we left Rosyth just over a year ago and we are all looking forward to this next seminal chapter in HMS Queen Elizabeth's life."

On leaving Portsmouth, HMS Queen Elizabeth will carry out tests in UK waters before heading across the Atlantic to the US where it will also visit New York.

The Royal Navy's £3.1bn future flagship will visit New York during its 11-week trip

Gavin Williamson said the trip would "strengthen our special relationship" with US forces

The first of the UK's joint Royal Navy and RAF F-35B supersonic jets arrived from the US in June and are based at RAF Marham in Norfolk.

Testing with these aircraft is expected to take place onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth next year.

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It has already undergone training with helicopters which have carried out more than 1,000 take-offs and landings.

The carrier is expected to embark on its first operational deployment in 2021.

A second carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, which is currently being fitted at Rosyth in Fife, Scotland, will not begin sea trials until next year.