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137-685: The AgustaWestland Apache is a licence-built version of the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter for the British Army Air Corps . The first eight helicopters were built by Boeing ; the remaining 59 were assembled by Westland Helicopters (later AgustaWestland ) at Yeovil , Somerset in England from Boeing-supplied kits. Changes from the AH-64D include Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines ,

274-485: A Hellfire missile to destroy an abandoned French vehicle to protect sensitive equipment. The Apache quickly became a highly valued tool against insurgents, able to rapidly respond to Taliban forces on the ground. Major Huw Williams, second in command of 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment , stated that: "We're really impressed [with the Apache]. It's a very effective beast." It has been noted that Taliban forces refer to

411-535: A cluster bomb ; each rocket contained nine M73 submunitions. In May 2008, several senior officers, such as General David Ramsbotham spoke out against British plans to keep the weapon. In the same month, Britain, as one of the 111 participating nations, agreed to ban cluster bombs on humanitarian grounds . Britain destroyed the last of its CRV7 MPSMs in July 2009. Like the US AH-64D Apache Longbow,

548-416: A displacement of 65,000 tonnes on delivery, but the design allows for this to reach over 70,000 tonnes as the ships are upgraded through their lifetime. They have an overall length of 284 metres (932 ft), a width of 73 metres (240 ft), a height of 56 metres (184 ft), a draught of 11 metres (36 ft), and a range of 10,000 nautical miles (12,000 mi; 19,000 km). Nuclear propulsion

685-576: A 'Beast Mode' configuration. For air-to-surface missions, an F-35B can carry up-to six Raytheon UK Paveway IV 500lb guided bombs with two bombs mounted internally, or eight 140+ km ranged SPEAR 3 cruise missiles (it is not yet known if SPEAR can/will be externally mounted on the F-35B). It has not be confirmed if the F-35B will be integrated with the upcoming French-British-Italian Future Cruise / Anti-Ship Weapon(s) . The AgustaWestland AW159

822-737: A 100% success rate. On 27 May 2011, military officials announced that Apaches would be deployed as part of Operation Ellamy , the ongoing military intervention in Libya . The helicopters operated from the flight deck of HMS Ocean in conjunction with French Eurocopter Tiger helicopters over Misrata . The Apaches were also to assist in Operation Unified Protector , the enforcement of an embargo and no-fly zone upon Libya. On 14 June 2011, reports of British preparation to evacuate Yemen emerged, involving Apache and Merlin helicopters operating from Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels off

959-527: A British Apache fired a thermobaric Hellfire missile; the controversial usage of such weapons was approved after extensive legal and ethical evaluations within the MoD. In June 2008, a Taliban leader and several cell members were killed in Helmand Province by a Hellfire missile launched by an Apache of the 664 Army Air Corps. There was a friendly fire incident in July 2008, in which an Apache fired upon

1096-454: A CATOBAR configuration. The reason given was that "conversion to 'cats and traps' will cost about double what was originally estimated – and would not be delivered until 2023 at the earliest". Although the F-35B is fully capable of performing vertical landing, in a similar fashion to the way that the Harrier and Sea Harrier operated, this method of operation places limitations on the loads that

1233-569: A French license were not to be exported to other foreign nations without its express approval. Yet another form of common licensing restriction related solely to the licensing activity, regulating whether the specified product was fully produced or partly assembled, and whether entire products or their individual components were manufactured. The governments of Germany and Switzerland imposed similar restrictions on military vehicles manufactured in Argentina and Chile under license. In some cases,

1370-557: A Merlin helicopter fitted with AEW mission systems, another to AgustaWestland to maintain the present Sea King ASaC7 and finally to Thales UK to upgrade the Sea King's mission systems. The 2010 SDSR delayed the project which became a competition between Thales and Lockheed to supply Crowsnest, a bolt-on sensor package that can be carried by any Merlin HM2. The Thales pod is based on the Sea King's Searchwater 2000; Lockheed had intended to use

1507-452: A Royal Engineer, strapped to the stub-wings of two Apaches. The helicopters could not travel above 50 mph to ensure the safety of the extra passengers from rotor downwash . The Apaches landed under fire inside the compound, after which the rescuers dismounted and recovered the body of LCpl Ford. Ford's body was flown out in the same manner that the soldiers arrived. Another Apache hovered above, providing suppressive fire throughout. None of

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1644-611: A carrier but a routine deployment would likely involve 12 aircraft. In December 2016, the British Government announced that it reached an agreement with the United States to allow the deployment of USMC F-35s from Queen Elizabeth upon the ship's entry into service, with a reciprocal arrangement seeing RAF and FAA aircraft operating from ships of the US Navy . Currently, UK F-35B's are set to be integrated with

1781-532: A derivative of the F-35's APG-81 radar but is now believed to be using an Elta system. Both systems were scheduled to begin flight trials in the summer of 2014 ahead of Main Gate in 2016. Ten pods were planned with IOC in 2019, but that was later changed to late-2021, and then (subsequently) to the second quarter of 2023. A small force of Sea King ASaC.7 helicopters had been kept in service with 849 Naval Air Squadron after

1918-413: A licensee who is authorized to use such rights under certain conditions. The licensee is manufacturing a product for which it has been granted production rights under specific conditions, while the licensor retains ownership of the intellectual property thereof. In some cases the licensor will supply the necessary technical data, prototypes, and/or machine tools to the licensee. While licensed production

2055-465: A need for a system capable of launching a maximum weight of 24,948 kilograms (55,001 lb) and recovering a maximum weight of 21,319 kilograms (47,000 lb) for installation within three–five years. Whilst these weight limits mean it is unable to launch and recover large conventional aircraft, like the F-35C, the system will be able to launch and recover unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs). During

2192-583: A new electronic defensive aids suite and a folding blade mechanism allowing the British version to operate from ships. The helicopter was initially designated WAH-64 by Westland Helicopters and was later given the designation Apache AH Mk 1 (also written as "Apache AH1") by the Ministry of Defence . The Apache was a valued form of close air support in the conflict in Afghanistan , being deployed to

2329-405: A number of UK weapon systems. MBDA 's Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) and long range Meteor missiles will be used for air-to-air engagements. Up-to two ASRAAMs can be carried on the outermost external weapon stations, whilst up-to four Meteors can be carried internally when in a stealth configuration, with mock-ups showing an additional four meteors can be mounted externally in

2466-438: A poor quality licensed product may damage the reputation of the original licensor. However, this is not considered a form of consumer fraud unless the product is unlicensed or counterfeit . Unlicensed production is the utilization of foreign manufacturing technology without a license, achieved through industrial espionage or reverse engineering . Products in high demand on the international market can be reproduced, based on

2603-612: A position thought to be held by enemy forces, but instead hit members of a British patrol; this was the first time that a British aircraft had been involved in a blue-on-blue incident in Afghanistan. In September 2008, an Apache was seriously damaged by a crash shortly after takeoff in Helmand province; no loss of life occurred but the airframe was written off. In early to mid-2009, several narcotics and bomb-making facilities were raided by British forces, supported by Apaches. During

2740-517: A range of around 400 kilometres (250 mi). Artisan can "track a target the size of a snooker ball over 20 kilometres (12 mi) away", with a maximum range of 200 km. They will also be fitted with the Ultra Electronics Series 2500 Electro Optical System (EOS) and Glide Path Camera (GPC). Munitions and ammunition handling is accomplished using a Babcock designed highly mechanised weapons handling system (HMWHS). This

2877-545: A rolling landing, using its disc brakes, without the need of an arrestor wire. A special type of metallic 'thermal paint' is being developed to withstand temperatures of up to 1,500 °C in the vicinity of jet nozzles. On 19 July 2012, Hammond indicated in a speech in the United States that the UK would order an initial 48 F-35B aircraft to be operated jointly by the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm. In November 2015,

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3014-602: A single carrier air group to equip whichever aircraft carrier is deployed. However, drones may allow the opportunity for the Royal Navy to form a second carrier air group. Although the size of the Queen Elizabeth class would enable it to accommodate most current and projected carrier-based fixed-wing aircraft, the lack of arresting gear means that, as initially completed, it is only capable of operating either STOVL aircraft, such as F-35B Lightning, tiltrotors such as

3151-584: Is a family of medium-sized, three-engined, multi-role helicopters. Two versions are in service with the UK Armed Forces, where it is known as the 'Merlin'. The Merlin Mk4 or 'Commando Merlin' is designed to carry up to twenty-four troops seated or sixteen stretcher patients and focuses on conducting utility missions such as troop insertions, whilst the Merlin Mk2 or HM2 anti-submarine warfare variant

3288-904: Is a medium-sized, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter and a development of the Westland Lynx . Known as the 'Wildcat', It is in service with both the British Army as the Wildcat MK1 and the Royal Navy as the Wildcat HMA2 (or HMA Mk2). The Royal Navy's first Wildcat HMA2 entered service on 23 March 2015. The HM2 maritime variant is optimised for surface warfare and can be armed with up-to 20x Martlet multi-role missiles or up-to 4x Sea Venom anti-ship missiles or machine guns; alternatively, Sting Ray lightweight torpedoes and depth charges may be carried for anti-submarine duties. These weapons are supported by an array of sensors such as

3425-558: Is an especially prominent commercial practice in developing nations , which often approach licensed production as a starting point for indigenous industrial development. While licensed production in developing nations provides stimulus to the production and technical capabilities of local industry, in many cases it remains at least partly dependent on foreign support. The four most common applications of licensed production have historically been automotive engines and parts, weaponry, aircraft, and pharmaceuticals. During World War I , it

3562-836: Is continually relayed to update target information, assess the threat of Surface to Air missiles (SAM), and the presence of civilians, enabling real time changes to mission profiles. On 6 August, Apaches struck a military communications facility and troops at Al Watiyah. Both the Apache and the Typhoon were withdrawn from Libyan operations in September 2011 as operational demands decreased. Data from AgustaWestland page Jane's Air Forces, British Army General characteristics Performance Armament Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Related lists Licensed production This

3699-526: Is defined as an overseas production arrangement, usually as a direct result of inter-state trade agreements, that permits a foreign government or entity to acquire the technical information to manufacture all or part of an equipment or component patented in the exporting country. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), it must constitute a partnership between an intellectual property owner and

3836-636: Is expected in 2024/25. It has been reported that initially five Merlins will be equipped with Crowsnest, three of these being normally assigned to the "high readiness" aircraft carrier. During its 2023 "Operation FIREDRAKE" deployment, two of five Merlins embarked on Queen Elizabeth were in the AEW configuration. In March 2021, it emerged that the Royal Navy was considering fitting its Queen Elizabeth -class aircraft carriers with electromagnetic catapults and arrestor cables to launch and recover non-STOVL aircraft. An MOD-issued Request for Information (RFI) specified

3973-465: Is fitted with a dipping sonar and sonar-buoy dispensers, and a complete electronic warfare suite; additionally it can be mounted with the Crowsnest airborne surveillance and control kit. Both versions use a common airframe. Their range and endurance using only a two engine cruise option is 750 nautical miles (1,390 km; 860 mi), or six hours. However, range can be extended further when

4110-410: Is often dependent on the appropriate technology transfers , it does not necessarily entail ownership and management of the overseas production by the technology supplier. However, the licensor does retain the right to continue to use the licensed property, and to attribute further licenses to third parties. Occasionally, licensees may themselves sub-license a third party with or without the agreement of

4247-402: Is the first naval application of a common land-based warehouse system. The HMWHS moves palletised munitions from the magazines and weapon preparation areas, along trackways and via several lifts, forward and aft or port and starboard. The tracks can carry a pallet to magazines, the hangar, weapons preparation areas, and the flight deck. In a change from normal procedures the magazines are unmanned,

AgustaWestland Apache - Misplaced Pages Continue

4384-543: The BOWMAN secure communications system to interact with other British military units being a significant one. The Leonardo (formerly Selex ES ) Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS) was also fitted. The HIDAS system was retrofitted onto the aircraft in mid-2004 just prior to entering service, along with several redesigned composite bodywork components. Instead of the American Hydra 70 rocket pods,

4521-757: The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme, confirming the JSF as the FJCA. This gave the UK input into aircraft design and the choice between the Lockheed Martin X-35 and Boeing X-32 . On 26 October 2001, the DoD announced that Lockheed Martin had won the JSF contract. On 30 September 2002, the MoD announced that the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force would operate the STOVL F-35B variant and that

4658-567: The Lockheed Martin F-35C "carrier variant" and to build Prince of Wales in a Catapult Assisted Take-Off Barrier Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) configuration. However, in 2012, after projected costs of the CATOBAR system rose to around twice the original estimate, the government announced that it would revert to the original design deploying F-35Bs from Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) configured carriers. In May 1997,

4795-517: The Seaspray 7400E AESA radar , MX-15Di electro-optical/FLIR camera and various radar and missile warning systems. The aircraft has a maximum range of 520 nautical miles (960 km; 600 mi) and an endurance of four and a half hours. The nature of the Wildcat's role is more likely to see it deployed onboard a carrier's escort vessels rather than a carrier itself. The AgustaWestland AW101

4932-510: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has noted that while licensing companies often provide quality control measures, and there is some incentive for licensees to comply or risk legal action and the ensuing damage to their own profit, manufacturers who engage in unlicensed production are under no such obligations. Another method of circumventing the need for a license involves a manufacturer making slight modifications in

5069-545: The helicopter carrier HMS  Ocean , the Invincible -class aircraft carriers (all since retired) and their successors, the Queen Elizabeth -class aircraft carriers, and possibly the amphibious assault vessels HMS  Bulwark and Albion . Each squadron equipped with the Apache should have eight operational aircraft. The Westland Apache experienced delays in entering service due to complications with

5206-652: The newly elected Labour government led by Tony Blair launched the Strategic Defence Review , which re-evaluated every weapon system, then active or in procurement, with the exception of the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Vanguard -class ballistic missile submarines . The report, published in July 1998, stated that aircraft carriers offer: The report concluded: "the emphasis is now on increased offensive airpower, and an ability to operate

5343-627: The American Nimitz -class carriers. Four months later on 30 January 2003, the Defence Secretary, Geoff Hoon , announced that the Thales Group design had won the competition but that BAE Systems would operate as prime contractor. The Secretary of State for Defence announced the intention to proceed with the procurement of the carriers in July 2007. The contracts were officially signed one year later on 3 July 2008, after

5480-541: The Apache AH1 carried an AN/APG-78 Longbow fire-control radar (FCR) and Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI), providing an integrated surveillance and attack system. The 'Longbow' radar was the bulbous unit over the rotor hub assembly; radar placement above the rotors allowed the Apache to hover behind cover scanning for targets, with only the radar unit exposed. Additionally, the Longbow radar could monitor traffic in

5617-454: The Apache AH1 is deployed with its Longbow Fire Control Radar to enable the pilot to better manage traffic in their airspace. Initially pilots had to often fly for 16–18 hours at a time due to the low number of Apaches in the theatre; typically each Apache would be stationed in Afghanistan for eight weeks before returning to Britain for roughly eight weeks of maintenance. On 22 May 2006, a UK Apache operating in Afghanistan's Helmand province used

AgustaWestland Apache - Misplaced Pages Continue

5754-707: The Apache AH1s until they were retired from service in 2024. The Apache AH1 was remanufactured by Boeing to become AH-64E Version 6 aircraft with US engines. The Australian Army purchased two retired AgustaWestland Apaches in 2024. The helicopters will be used as non-flying training aids ahead of the delivery of AH-64E Apaches to the Army. Both helicopters were transported from the UK to the US in March 2024 to be modified to ground training airframes. Several deviations were made to

5891-539: The Apache gunships in British service had been grounded as they had fallen below the level considered "fit for purpose", along with several other British Helicopters such as the Chinook and Merlin HC3 . By November 2008, the situation had further declined, out of 67 aircraft only 20 were available for combat operations. In 2009, AgustaWestland was awarded a contract for support services for the Apache and many components such as

6028-455: The Apache required less modification to serve in the region due to special filters incorporated into the engine design. Another change is the folding blade mechanism to stow the helicopters in confined spaces; the rotor blades also have anti-ice protection to allow operations in Arctic environments. There were changes made to the sensor and avionics outfitting the craft as well; connectivity with

6165-545: The Apache was combat proven, though its performance in the First Gulf War was criticised by competitors. Westland and the Apache was selected in July 1995, and a contract for 67 helicopters was signed in 1996. "I have no doubt whatsoever that the Attack Helicopter will represent the biggest single enhancement to the Army's capability for many years. It will change the way we go to battle. Now we have taken

6302-416: The Apache's airspace. The radar could also be used for surveillance and terrain profiling. A modem was interfaced into the Longbow radar and other sensor systems to relay information to other aircraft, this allowed other Apaches to fire on targets identified by only a single helicopter. AgustaWestland made several upgrades to Britain's Apache fleet. In May 2005, a $ 212 million contract was awarded to equip all

6439-576: The CATOBAR system to launch and recover these aircraft. This was because the cheaper F-35C variant has a greater range and can carry a larger and more diverse payload than the F-35B. On 10 May 2012 the Defence Secretary Philip Hammond announced in Parliament that the government had decided to revert to its predecessor's plans to purchase the F-35B rather than the F-35C, and to abandon the completion of Prince of Wales in

6576-609: The Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Richard Knighton, told the House of Commons Defence Select Committee that the MoD was in discussions to purchase a second tranche of 26 F-35B fighters. Subsequent reports suggested that this second tranche order would only be completed in 2033. Plans for frontline F-35B squadrons had been modified and now envisaged a total of three squadrons (rather than four) each deploying 12 to 16 aircraft. In surge conditions 24 F-35s might be deployed on

6713-538: The French to bail them out with their carrier. He really wants us to have these, but he wants us to have the same sort of clout as one of their carriers, which is this figure at 36. He would find that very useful, and really we would mix and match with that. On 17 January 2001, the UK signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States Department of Defense (DoD) for full participation in

6850-437: The Longbow radar; in the following months senior officers noted that the support change had resulted in higher availability. In June 2011, civilian maintainers of the Apache at Wattisham Airfield threatened industrial action over a pay dispute. In October 2008 it was announced that Prince Harry had begun the process of qualifying to become an Apache pilot. In May 2010, the terrorist organisation Al Qaeda threatened to abduct

6987-556: The Mk1 helicopters with the Apache Arrowhead sensor system upgrade, to be completed by 2010. In 2009, it was announced that AgustaWestland was also integrating new external fuel tanks with ballistic protection. The magazine could be replaced with an Integrated Ammunition and Fuel unit, which reduced the ammunition capacity but increased loitering time. It had been suggested that advanced rotor blades and additional controls to improve

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7124-588: The Mk2 and Mk4 can be equipped with machine guns. It was initially anticipated that at least 14 Merlin HM2s would be assigned to the carrier. However, in practice with just 30 Merlin HM2s in service, it may be impossible to deploy 14 aircraft on a single operational carrier on a full-time basis. During the 2021 carrier strike group deployment to the Pacific, for instance, considerably fewer than 14 Merlins were embarked with

7261-437: The MoD announced a £51 million package of important equipment contracts; £34 million for the highly mechanised weapons handling system for the two ships, £8 million for supply of uptake and down-take systems for both ships, £5 million for air traffic control software, £3 million for supply of pumps and associated systems engineering, and £1 million for emergency diesel generators. On 6 October 2008, it

7398-408: The MoD announced that the Apache fleet had reached 100,000 hours flying time, and describing it as a "vital battlefield tool in Afghanistan". The Apache was also recognised as having established a "limited maritime strike capability" and were deploying on vessels such as HMS Ocean . On 17 May 2011, the Apache tested its Hellfire missiles against sea targets for the first time, 9 missiles were fired with

7535-645: The Osprey, or aircraft that do not require either catapult-assisted take-off or arrested recovery. With the retirement of the Harrier GR7 and GR9 in 2010, there remained no carrier-capable fixed-wing aircraft available to the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force. Their replacement is the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. After the 2010 SDSR Review the government intended to purchase the F-35C carrier variant and modify one carrier to use

7672-422: The Royal Navy. The Carrier Air Wing (CVW) will vary depending on the type and location of deployment, but will consist of a maximum of 24 F-35Bs under normal circumstances (or 36 in extreme cases) and Merlin helicopters in both utility and Airborne Early Warning roles. The projected cost of the programme is £6.2 billion. The 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review announced the intention to purchase

7809-774: The Summer 2009 operations, a senior Taliban leader, Mullah Mansur, and several accomplices were killed in a precision strike launched by an Apache. On 25 July 2011, the MoD announced that during a combat operation in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province, several Afghan children had been injured from crossfire by an Apache; they were flown to Camp Bastion for medical treatment. From 2006 to April 2014, British Apache helicopters flew 50,000 hours in Afghanistan, representing one-third of all UK Apache flying. The UK ended combat operations in Afghanistan in October 2014. In May 2011,

7946-564: The United Kingdom's Royal Navy consists of two vessels. The lead ship of her class, HMS  Queen Elizabeth , was named on 4 July 2014 in honour of Elizabeth I and was commissioned on 7 December 2017. Her sister ship, HMS  Prince of Wales , was launched on 21 December 2017, and was commissioned on 10 December 2019. They form the central components of the UK Carrier Strike Group . The contract for

8083-553: The Westland Apache can carry up to 76 CRV7 rockets. The CRV7 uses a modular warhead: "a high explosive, semi-armour piercing warhead for attacks on unarmoured targets and a kinetic energy penetrator, which contains no explosive, for attacks on armoured targets". There used to be a third type of warhead: the Multi-Purpose Sub Munition (MPSM), which was a controversial weapon as it has been classified as

8220-585: The ability to operate 36 in extreme circumstances. The ships have a sortie generation rate of up to 110 per day. Fourteen Merlin HM2 will be available with typically nine in anti-submarine configuration and four or five with Crowsnest for airborne early warning; alternatively a " littoral manoeuvre" package could include a mix of Royal Navy Commando Helicopter Force Merlin HC4, Wildcat AH1 , RAF Chinook transports, and Army Air Corps Apache attack helicopters. As of September 2013 six landing spots are planned, but

8357-405: The agility of the aircraft may have been fitted in a mid-life update of the fleet. In May 2005, the first Apache-equipped regiment achieved operational status. The Westland Apache replaced the Westland Lynx AH7 as the British Army's tactical attack helicopter. The Apache was operated by two regiments of the Army Air Corps (3 Regt AAC and 4 Regt AAC) as part of 1st Aviation Brigade . The Apache

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8494-448: The air surveillance radar (forward), which does not interfere with the medium-range radar (aft); furthermore, visibility is improved for both navigation and landing operations. Under the flight deck are a further nine decks. The hangar deck measures 155 by 33.5 metres (509 by 110 ft) with a height of 6.7 to 10 metres (22 to 33 ft), large enough to accommodate up to twenty fixed and rotary wing aircraft. To transfer aircraft from

8631-438: The aircraft as the "Mosquito". On 13 January 2007, a 200-strong British force, led by Royal Marines , launched an operation to attack Jugroom Fort , a major Taliban base in southern Helmand Province. After several hours of intense fighting, the Marines regrouped and it was discovered that Lance Corporal Mathew Ford of 45 Commando Royal Marines was missing. A rescue mission was launched using four volunteers, Royal Marines and

8768-415: The aircraft is capable of returning to the ship with. As a consequence, to avoid the costly disposal at sea of both fuel and munitions, the Royal Navy is developing the Shipborne rolling vertical landing (SRVL) technique for its operation of the Lightning II. SRVL is a hybrid landing technique that uses the Lightning's vectored thrust capability to slow its forward speed to around 70 knots to allow it to make

8905-400: The aircraft's first cold weather training within the Arctic Circle . The Apache's first operational tour was as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade in Afghanistan; there were eight Apache AH1s deployed in Afghanistan in February 2007. These were drawn from No. 656 Squadron and No. 664 Squadron of 9 Regiment AAC , based at Dishforth Airfield . Unlike their American counterparts in Afghanistan,

9042-532: The assessment phase of the project – Boeing , British Aerospace (BAe), Lockheed Martin , Marconi Electronic Systems , Raytheon and Thomson-CSF . On 23 November 1999, the MoD awarded detailed assessment studies to two consortia, one led by BAe (renamed BAE Systems on 30 November 1999) and one led by Thomson-CSF (renamed Thales Group in 2000). The brief required up to six designs from each consortium with air-groups of thirty to forty Future Joint Combat Aircraft (FJCA). The contracts were split into phases;

9179-407: The body of the aircraft and cause damage; resolving this issue created a delay to training programmes. These problems were corrected prior to entering service, a secure communications suite was installed and Hellfire missiles are routinely fired by Apaches. In 2002, government sources stated that full operational capability was set to be achieved by 2010. In 2005, an out-of-service date for the Apache

9316-416: The carrier variant of the F-35 rather than the short-take off and vertical-landing version. It was decided to use the next-generation Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) catapult and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) instead of the more conventional systems which the design had originally been specified to be compatible with. The decision to convert Prince of Wales to CATOBAR was reviewed after

9453-520: The carriers had been sold as adaptable and easy to convert for CATOBAR, no serious effort had been made in this direction since 2002. On 23 November 2015, the government published its 2015 SDSR which confirmed its plans to bring into service both Queen Elizabeth -class aircraft carriers, with one to be available at all times. The review also confirmed that one of the carriers would have enhanced amphibious capabilities. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to ordering 138 F-35 Lightning IIs, although

9590-478: The carriers would take the form of large, conventional carriers, initially adapted for STOVL operations. The carriers, expected to remain in service for fifty years, were designed for but not with catapults and arrestor wires. The carriers were thus planned to be " future proof ", allowing them to operate a generation of CATOBAR aircraft beyond the F-35. The contract specified that any conversion would use US C-13 steam catapults and Mark 7 Arresting gear as used by

9727-472: The class could be placed in "extended readiness" to provide a continuous single carrier strike capability when the other was in refit or provide the option to regenerate more quickly to a two carrier strike ability. Alternatively, the second ship could be sold in "cooperation with a close ally to provide continuous carrier-strike capability". It was also announced that the operational carrier would have catapult and arrestor gear (CATOBAR) installed to accommodate

9864-708: The coast of the United States and saw the aircraft successfully launched and recovered. In September 2023, an Autonomous Systems W drone was also trialed for carrier onboard delivery . During a speech on 21 July 2004, Geoff Hoon announced a one-year delay to allow contractual and cost issues to be resolved. The building of the carriers was confirmed in December 2005. The building was undertaken by four companies across seven shipyards, with final block integration and assembly at Rosyth : In December 2007, eight diesel engines and electricity generators, four for each ship, were ordered from Wärtsilä. On 4 March 2008, contracts for

10001-599: The coast. On 4 June 2011, Apaches struck targets within Libya for the first time, destroying a radar site and an armed checkpoint near the town of Brega . Further precision strikes were launched by Apaches, typical targets were mobile air defenses, and were occasionally engaged by AK-47 fire from ground troops. In early June, Apaches conducted attacks on Gaddafi loyalists assaulting the town of Misrata . On 13 June, British Apaches destroyed several inflatable boats with 30 mm cannon fire, believed to be Libyan Special Forces, before engaging and destroying multiple vehicles along

10138-410: The coastline, including an anti-aircraft system. On 25 June, in coordination with RAF Tornado strikes, Apaches attacked loyalist infantry and vehicles around Brega and its airfield. On 1 July, British Apaches were reportedly involved in a 'fierce' battle at the town of Khoms . On 2 July, Apaches destroyed several tanks and a bunker at a military camp near Zawiya . On 5 August, Apaches participated in

10275-447: The composition of the carriers' air-wings: The reason that we have arrived at what we have arrived at is because to do the initial strike package, that deep strike package, we have done really quite detailed calculations and we have come out with the figure of 36 joint strike fighters, and that is what has driven the size of it, and that is to be able to deliver the weight of effort that you need for these operations that we are planning in

10412-465: The contracts for full production once the creation of the planned shipbuilding joint venture between BAE Systems and the VT Group had taken place. This joint venture, BVT Surface Fleet, became operational on 1 July 2008. VT Group later sold its share to BAE Systems which renamed the unit BAE Systems Surface Ships. It undertook approximately forty per cent of the project workload. On 1 September 2008,

10549-483: The creation of BVT Surface Fleet through the merger of BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions and VT Group 's VT Shipbuilding which was a requirement of the UK Government. On 19 October 2010, the government announced the results of its Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). The review stated that only one carrier was certain to be commissioned; the fate of the other was left undecided. The second ship of

10686-534: The decision to buy the Apache, the Army must ensure that doctrine is developed to allow us to make the fullest possible use of its tremendous capability." Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Charles Guthrie , 1996. In September 1998, Westland produced the first prototype WAH-64 Apache under licence from Boeing. The first nine Apache AH1s were authorised for service by the director of British Army Aviation on 16 January 2001. The 67th and final Apache

10823-485: The deck could be marked out for the operation of ten medium helicopters at once, allowing the lift of a company of 250 troops. The hangars are designed for operating Chinooks without blade folding and the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor; the two aircraft lifts can each accommodate a Chinook with unfolded blades. As the Royal Navy plans to operate the aircraft carriers in rotation, it will only form

10960-899: The design or function of an existing product, before reproducing it. The manufacturer could then argue that the resulting product is not an unlicensed copy, but a new product not subject to license. Also need to be noted that once the terms of the patent for the particular technology or invention has expired, any manufacturer could legally reverse-engineer and reproduce said technology without needing to negotiate license agreements with former patent holder. However, even after patent terms have lapsed some manufacturers do opt for licensed production, since such agreements also confer transfer of full manufacturing plans and expertise which may prove to be cheaper than acquiring those via reverse engineering. Industrial products which have been built under license include: Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier The Queen Elizabeth -class aircraft carriers of

11097-416: The design was considered sufficiently mature by late 2006 for detailed cost estimates to be drawn up prior to ordering long-lead items. The vessels, described as " supercarriers " by the media, legislators and sometimes by the Royal Navy, displace approximately 65,000 tonnes (64,000 long tons; 72,000 short tons) each, almost three times the displacement of its predecessor, the Invincible class . They are

11234-422: The domestic manufacture of preexisting overseas designs. This allowed for a much higher rate of production, and was considerably cheaper than national sourcing and off-the-shelf acquisition. European automobile manufacturers were the first to adopt this practice, producing a number of specialized American components for their passenger cars under license. The United States not only supplied European factories with

11371-403: The economic life of the product. Developing nations began accounting for a significant percentage of licensed production during the late twentieth century. Governments of developing nations often sought to encourage rapid industrialization, reduce dependence on foreign imports, and combat high levels of unemployment by creating and retaining local jobs. However, in many of these nations there

11508-563: The evening of 20 August 2011. Her forward island was built at BAE Portsmouth and attached on 14 March 2013; the aft island was attached in June 2013 and the ski jump in November 2013. Queen Elizabeth was christened on 4 July 2014, and floated-out on 17 July 2014. On 26 June 2017, the new carrier left Rosyth for the first time to commence sea trials. Flight trials with helicopters began in July 2017 and F-35B flight trials were expected towards

11645-401: The eventual installation of catapults, arrestor gear and an angled flight deck as previously envisioned in the 2010 Strategic Defense and Security Review with the carriers having been built for but not with this capability. The ships' company is 679, rising to 1,600 when the air crew is added. In April 2015 a parliamentary reply stated that the average crew size would be 672. The ships have

11782-402: The explicit licensing of technological information. Knock-down kits are regarded as a prerequisite to licensed production; they consist of products assembled locally from imported, pre-manufactured parts. Some licensors find it difficult to regulate the quality of their products manufactured under license. It is not always made clear to consumers where exactly a particular good originated, and

11919-438: The final withdrawal of the remainder of the Royal Navy's Sea Kings, but these aircraft were withdrawn from service in September 2018. As part of the process of the system reaching initial operating capability, Crowsnest was deployed on the first Merlin helicopters in March 2021. However, the system experienced operating challenges. Initial operating capability of the system was achieved in July 2023 and full operating capability

12056-454: The first aircraft carrier to land an Apache AH1. They first appeared in combat as part of Operation Herrick in Afghanistan in May 2006. In August 2006, the intense usage of Apaches in Afghanistan led to British commanders admitting that weapons and spare parts were being used at a far greater rate, and subsequently a greater cost, than anticipated. On 11 November 2007, it was reported that half of

12193-561: The first £5.9 million phase was for design assessment which would form part of the aircraft selection, while the second £23.5 million phase involved "risk reduction on the preferred carrier design option". In 2005 BMT announced it had tested 4 different CVF hull form models and assessed them for propulsion efficiency, maneuverability, seakeeping and noise signatures. It also investigated skeg length, rudder size, transom stern flaps and bulbous bow designs. The basic Delta concept went through many further iterations and development before

12330-411: The five underfloor fuel tanks are supplemented with auxiliary fuel tanks fitted in the cabin. Armament depends on the mission but includes anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, door-mounted machine guns , multi-purpose rocket, cannon pods, air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface missiles. Currently, Royal Navy's Merlin Mk2 fleet is only integrated with Sting Ray lightweight torpedoes and depth charges, and both

12467-518: The flight decks of the carriers. That same day, construction began in Portsmouth of the 6,000-tonne Lower Block 2 for Queen Elizabeth . On 16 August 2011, the 8,000-tonne Lower Block 03 of Queen Elizabeth left BAE Systems Surface Ships' Govan shipyard in Glasgow on a large ocean-going barge. Travelling 600 miles (970 km) around the northern coast of Scotland, the block arrived at Rosyth on

12604-553: The future. That is the thing that has made us arrive at that size of deck and that size of ship, to enable that to happen. I think it is something like 75 sorties per day over the five-day period or something like that as well... I have talked with the CNO ( Chief of Naval Operations ) in America. He is very keen for us to get these because he sees us slotting in with his carrier groups. For example, in Afghanistan last year they had to call on

12741-521: The government announced its commitment to an order of 138 F-35 aircraft, with 24 available for carrier duties by 2023. The 2021 defence white paper sharply reduced the envisaged total number of aircraft to be purchased to "beyond 48". Subsequently, the First Sea Lord indicated that the new envisaged number was to be 60 aircraft initially and "then maybe more", up to a maximum of around 80 to hopefully equip four "deployable squadrons". In April 2022,

12878-508: The hangar to the flight deck, the ships have two large lifts, each of which is capable of lifting two F-35-sized aircraft or one CH-47 Chinook from the hangar to the flight deck in sixty seconds. The ships' only announced self-defence weapons are currently the Phalanx CIWS for airborne threats, with miniguns and 30 mm cannon to counter seaborne threats, which are fitted for but not with, and not carried as of 2021 . As of 2023 ,

13015-443: The intellectual property owner. Licensing agreements determine the form and scope of compensation to the intellectual property owner, which usually takes the form of a flat licensing fee or a running royalty payment derived from a share of the licensee's revenue. The licenses can be terminated by the licensor, or may expire after a set date; however, the technology and knowledge, once transferred, cannot be rescinded, so even if

13152-461: The largest possible range of aircraft in the widest possible range of roles. When the current carrier force reaches the end of its planned life, we plan to replace it with two larger vessels. Work will now begin to refine our requirements but present thinking suggests that they might be of the order of 30,000–40,000 tonnes and capable of deploying up to 50 aircraft, including helicopters." Initial Ministry of Defence (MoD) design studies for what

13289-577: The largest warships ever built in the United Kingdom. The last large carriers proposed for the Royal Navy, the CVA-01 programme, were cancelled by the Labour government in the 1966 Defence White Paper . In November 2004 First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Alan West explained that the sortie rate and interoperability with the United States Navy were factors in deciding on the size of the carriers and

13426-426: The largest with the capacity to serve 960 meals in one hour. There are eleven medical staff for the eight-bed medical facility, which includes an operating theatre and a dental surgery. There are 1,600 bunks in 470 cabins , including accommodation for a company of 250 Royal Marines with wide access routes up to the flight deck. A maximum of 24 F-35Bs will operate from each carrier under normal circumstances, with

13563-775: The later AH-64E version. The requirement for a new attack helicopter was identified by the British government in the early 1990s. In 1993, invitations to bid were issued. Bids received included the Eurocopter Tiger , a modernised Bell AH-1 SuperCobra , the AH-64 Apache , the Boeing/Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche , and the Agusta A129 Mangusta . Both the Tiger and upgraded Cobra variant required more development, and thus risk, while

13700-491: The licensee. The United States began inserting pro forma statements into licensing agreements known as "side letters" , which required the free sharing of any improvements made to American technology. Other attempts were also made to control the destination of licensed products, particularly with regards to the arms industry . For instance, France stipulated that military vehicles manufactured in South Africa under

13837-449: The licensing agreement expires they remain in the licensee's possession. Two related commercial practices are foreign subcontractor production and the proliferation of knock-down kits . Foreign subcontracting occurs when a product's original manufacturer contracts the production of its individual parts and components to a second party overseas. Such arrangements are not considered examples of licensed production because they do not involve

13974-486: The low-voltage electrical systems as well as four GE Power Conversion 's 20 MW electric propulsion motors that drive the twin fixed-pitch propellers. Instead of a single island superstructure containing both the ships' navigation bridges and flying control (flyco) centres, the ships have these operations divided between two structures, with the forward island for navigation and the aft island for controlling flying operations. The primary reason for having twin islands

14111-485: The modifications made for British service. Prior to the Apache entering service in 2004, several development problems were noted, including a lack of the ability to securely communicate with other helicopters and a risk of damage to the tail rotor and airframe from firing its Hellfire missiles. The problem with using the Hellfire was debris generated by the firing of missiles, both the Hellfire and CRV7 rockets, could strike

14248-445: The movement of pallets is controlled from a central location, and manpower is only required when munitions are being initially stored or prepared for use. This system speeds up delivery and reduces the size of the crew by automation . Crew facilities include a cinema, five physical fitness areas (gyms), a chapel (with embarked naval chaplain ), and four galleys manned by sixty-seven catering staff. There are four large dining areas,

14385-676: The necessary blueprints and licenses, but also sourced American-made tooling equipment accordingly, which allowed the automobile companies to optimize their production lines. By the 1960s it was not uncommon for an entire specialized industry—such as the manufacture of rotary aircraft in the United Kingdom —to be dependent wholly on foreign-licensed components. A number of countries began making improvements to foreign products manufactured under license, and were even able to re-export them successfully. This trend resulted in some technology suppliers imposing additional conditions on

14522-479: The original technology supplier did not need to manufacture the product itself—it merely patented a specific design, then sold the actual production rights to multiple clients. This resulted in different companies separately manufacturing identical products licensed from the same licensee. For many licensee companies, licensed production by other firms provides a continuous outlet for their proprietary technology, increasing their return on investment and prolonging

14659-660: The previously deployed miniguns were planned for retirement to be replaced by Browning .50 caliber heavy machine guns . The ship's radars are the BAE Systems/Thales S1850M for long-range wide-area search, the BAE Systems Artisan 3D Type 997 maritime medium-range active electronically scanned array radar, and a navigation radar. BAE claims the S1850M has a fully automatic detection and track initiation that can track up to 1,000 air targets at

14796-614: The prince if he piloted an Apache in Afghanistan. In April 2011, Prince Harry was promoted to captain following his completion of Apache conversion training. In June 2011, sections of the media reported that Prince Harry was to deploy to Afghanistan as an Apache pilot in 2012. He subsequently deployed to Afghanistan as part of 662 Squadron in September 2012. Three Apaches were deployed to Bardufoss Air Station in Norway in January 2019. The deployment, known as Exercise Clockwork , represented

14933-621: The project was to enable the operation of high-performance unmanned strike and support systems and potentially fixed-wing aircraft through the phased introduction of aircraft launch and recovery equipment for those types of aircraft. This phased implementation was described by Colonel Phil Kelly, Head of the Royal Navy's Carrier Strike and Maritime Aviation as "moving from STOVL (short take off vertical landing) to STOL (short takeoff and landing), then to STOBAR (Short takeoff but arrested recovery) and then to CATOBAR (catapult assisted takeoff but arrested recovery)". These changes would necessitate

15070-472: The project, in July 2009, signalled the start of construction of Lower Block 3 at BAE Systems Clyde, where production of Lower Block 4 started in January 2010. Meanwhile, construction of the bow Lower Block 1 was carried out at Appledore, North Devon, and was completed in March 2010. On 25 January 2010, it was announced that the Cammell Laird shipyard has secured a £44 million contract to build

15207-560: The projected costs rose to around double the original estimate. On 10 May 2012, the Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond , announced in Parliament that the government had decided to revert to its predecessor's plans to purchase the F-35B rather than the F-35C, and to complete both aircraft carriers with ski-jumps in the STOVL configuration. MoD sources indicated that the cost of installing EMALS and AAG on Prince of Wales would have risen to £2 billion, of which about £450 million of which

15344-638: The rebel push for the town of Zliten was reported. By 21 June 2011, the Libyan government had dubiously claimed to have successfully shot down dozens of aircraft, including five Apaches; NATO denied these claims and no Apache losses have been acknowledged to date. On 8 July 2011, the MoD released information on the first month of Apache combat operations over Libya; noting that Apaches had engaged targets within Libya on 39 occasions. Apache operations over Libya have been heavily influenced and supported by NATO reconnaissance flights and intelligence missions; information

15481-453: The region in 2006. Naval trials and temporary deployments at sea had proven the aircraft as an able platform to operate from the decks of ships, which was a unique application of the Apache amongst its operators. British Apaches also served in the NATO 2011 military intervention in Libya operating from Royal Navy ships. The Apache AH1 was retired in 2024 and all models were remanufactured to

15618-543: The requirement for the Apache had been formalised in the early 1990s, military doctrine assumed that a large conventional armoured assault from the Eastern Bloc was Britain's main threat. Following the collapse and break-up of the Soviet Union, the concepts of flexibility and rapid response took precedence. The UK's Strategic Defence Review called for Apaches to undertake amphibious attack missions, operating from

15755-422: The rescuers were injured in the recovery mission and they were later hailed for their bravery. In May and June 2008, British and Afghan National Army forces conducted Operation Eagle's Eye , aimed at disrupting Taliban activities to the south of Musa Qaleh ; a key portion of which was a major night-time helicopter raid, rapidly deploying members of 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment into the town. In June 2008,

15892-614: The risks inherent in the development of new products by taking advantage of the proven reputation of products which had already achieved success in foreign markets. The economic life of many products, namely in the automotive and defense sectors, have been prolonged by overseas licensed production long after they were considered obsolete in their countries of origin. Developing nations such as Pakistan and Singapore which built important segments of their industry on licensed production have now themselves become licensors of technology and products to less developed states. Licensed production

16029-508: The same month, it emerged that the Royal Navy was undertaking conceptual work on a carrier-borne UAV under Project Vixen . The Royal Navy plans to operate these UAVs in strike, electronic warfare, air-to-air refueling and airborne early warning roles, replacing some helicopter-based platforms, including Merlin Crowsnest. In May 2023, the UK announced a contract to trial a General Atomics Mojave short-take off and landing UAV aboard Prince of Wales . These trials took place in November 2023 off

16166-448: The same or similar design, and branded in ways to make them indistinguishable from the original. When copied and reproduced without a license, certain items are sometimes recopied in a similar manner by a third party. The manufacturers responsible may also grant legitimately registered sub-licenses for their unlicensed products, profiting at the expense of the real intellectual property owner. The quality of unlicensed goods varies greatly;

16303-485: The second carrier would be brought into service, ending years of uncertainty surrounding its future. This was confirmed by the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 , with at least one carrier being available at any time. The vessels have a displacement of approximately 65,000 tonnes (64,000 long tons; 72,000 short tons), are 284 metres (932 ft) long and are the largest warships ever constructed for

16440-483: The specific variant(s) was not mentioned. The review stated that 24 of these aircraft would be available to the aircraft carriers by 2023. On 24 May 2023 during the 'Combined Naval Event 2023' conference in Farnborough 'Project Ark Royal' was announced. This project would "explore the widespread fielding of uncrewed aviation across the surface fleet, with a specific focus on future carrier aviation" The purpose of

16577-482: The standard Apache design used by the US and those exported to other countries. One major difference is the use of a pair of Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 01/12 engines, replacing the original General Electric T700-GE-701C engines. The Rolls-Royce engine produces 1,565 kW (2,100 hp) vs. 1,410 kW (1,890 hp) for the GE T700C engine. Compared to many helicopters used by coalition forces in Afghanistan,

16714-549: The summer of 2009, British Apaches were an integral component of Operation Panther's Claw , which was aimed at pushing insurgents out of civilian areas in the runup to the 2009 Afghan Elections . During this major offensive, Apaches from the UK routinely flew alongside US Cobra helicopters to provide air support to soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Royal Marines conducting ground operations. During

16851-416: The supply of 80,000 tonnes of steel were awarded to Corus Group , with an estimated value of £65 million. Other contracts included £3 million for fibre optic cable, over £1 million for reverse osmosis equipment to provide over 500 tonnes of fresh water daily, and £4 million for aviation fuel systems. On 3 April 2008, a contract for the manufacture of aircraft lifts (worth £13m)

16988-574: The task group, while during the 2023 "Operation FIREDRAKE" deployment, only five Merlins (along with three Wildcats and eight F-35Bs) were embarked on the carrier. The 1982 Falklands War made clear the importance of airborne early warning and control and led to the development of the Sea King AEW2 , which was succeeded by the Sea King ASaC7. This was scheduled to be retired in the second half of 2018 and planning for its replacement

17125-537: The vessels was announced in July 2007, ending several years of delay over cost issues and British naval shipbuilding restructuring. The contracts were signed one year later on 3 July 2008, with the Aircraft Carrier Alliance , a partnership formed with Babcock International , Thales Group , A&P Group , the UK Ministry of Defence and BAE Systems . In 2014 the UK Government announced that

17262-419: Was announced that contracts had been placed for "the carriers' Rolls-Royce gas turbines, generators, motors, power distribution equipment, platform management systems, propellers, shafts, steering gear, rudders and stabilisers". The construction of the two carriers involves more than 10,000 people from 90 companies, 7,000 of them in the six shipyards building the sections of the ships. The first steel cut for

17399-464: Was awarded to MacTaggart Scott of Loanhead, Scotland. In mid May 2008, the Treasury announced that it would be making available further funds on top of the regular defence budget, reportedly allowing the construction of the carriers to begin. This was followed, on 20 May 2008, by the government giving the "green light" for construction of the Queen Elizabeth class, stating that it was ready to sign

17536-400: Was forecast at 2030. Various options were considered for maintaining the capability: In August 2015, the UK requested the upgrade of 50 of its Apaches to AH-64E standard through a US Foreign Military Sale . The order was confirmed in 2016, with the contract for remanufacturing of the first 38 awarded in 2017 and the remaining 12 in 2019. Leonardo Helicopters continued to lead the support to

17673-754: Was handed over to the British Army in July 2004. The helicopter fleet's cost was around £3.1 billion, with a total acquisition cost of £4.1 billion. Reliability had been questioned by US Apache operations, the entire fleet in the Balkans had been grounded due to serious tail rotor failures in 1999. In 1998, the AN/APG-78 Longbow radar's development ran into problems regarding its weight, impact upon overall agility, and data transfer abilities. These problems with key aircraft components, and fleet's high cost, led to calls for its cancellation in 1999. When

17810-661: Was identified at an early stage as an integral part of the next-generation aircraft carrier. The programme became known as the "Future Organic Airborne Early Warning" (FOAEW), and contracts were placed with BAE / Northrop Grumman and Thales in April 2001. In April 2002, BAE and Northrop Grumman received a follow-on study contract for Phase II of the project, by then renamed Maritime Airborne Surveillance and Control (MASC). The MASC assessment phase began in September 2005 and by May 2006 three study contracts were awarded for MASC platform and mission systems options: one to Lockheed Martin UK for

17947-403: Was intended to operate in the armed reconnaissance and attack roles, similar to the US usage of Apaches during the 1991 Gulf War. Unlike US versions, the Westland Apache had been partially navalised and for a time served aboard Royal Navy ships in addition to its land-based role. It achieved maritime certification in December 2005 aboard HMS Ocean . On 17 November 2006, HMS Ark Royal became

18084-564: Was more common for licensing agreements to take place between companies in the same country; for example, Opel was granted a license to produce BMW -designed aircraft engines for the German war effort. During the 1920s, European economists began advocating licensed production of foreign goods as the cure for "industrial particularism" —it allowed countries to bypass the costly research and development stage of acquiring products with which their own industries were unfamiliar, and refocus on

18221-492: Was not a strong tradition of technology-based industrial development, and local firms were seldom active participants in creating indigenous technology through research and development. Since their research capacity was typically too limited to meet their goals, adopting licensing agreements for foreign technology was an especially attractive option. Manufacturing licensed products generated employment and empowered local industry while reducing dependence on imports. It also avoided

18358-422: Was rejected due to its high cost and manpower required in favour of Integrated Electric Propulsion consisting of two Rolls-Royce Marine Trent MT30 36 MW (48,000 hp) gas turbine generator units and four Wärtsilä diesel generator sets (two 9 MW or 12,000 hp and two 11 MW or 15,000 hp). The Trents and diesels are the largest ever supplied to the Royal Navy, and together they feed

18495-439: Was the cost of the equipment and the remainder the cost of installation. The total cost of the work that had been done on the conversion to a CATOBAR configuration, and of reverting the design to the original STOVL configuration, was estimated by Philip Hammond to be "something in the order of £100 million". In later testimony before a parliamentary committee, Bernard Gray , Chief of Defence Materiel, revealed that even though

18632-458: Was then the Invincible class replacement were conducted in the mid-1990s. Options considered at this early stage included the possibilities of lengthening the hulls and extending the life of the existing Invincible class ships, converting commercial ships to carriers, and the construction of purpose-built new aircraft carriers. On 25 January 1999, six companies were invited to tender for

18769-505: Was to space out the funnels, as the ships were designed with redundancy with "duplicated main and secondary machinery in two complexes with independent uptakes and downtakes in each of the two islands", while the alternative of consolidating all the exhaust trunkings would have reduced hangar space as well as increasing the vulnerability to flooding. Additional benefits include easier construction, reduced wind turbulence, and freed up deck space. Using two structures provides separate mountings for

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