The $3.85bn HMS Prince of Wales has set sail for the US - Britain's largest aircraft carrier will receive F-35B fighter jets, MV-22 convertible aircraft and drones
The aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has travelled to the USA for exercises. This is reported by the Royal British Navy.
Here's What We Know
The largest aircraft carrier in the British Navy has left Portsmouth and is heading for the east coast of the US. A Ministry of Defence press release says the ship will revolutionise the way the Royal UK Navy operates strike groups.
During the exercise, fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighter jets and US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey convertible aircraft will land on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales. The military will also practice delivering life-saving supplies using unmanned aerial vehicles.
The drones will do what helicopters normally do. The drones will deliver cargo weighing up to 100kg. An evaluation of this capability will take place in the British Channel with W Autonomous Systems.
After arriving at the US East Coast, the short take-off and vertical landing portion of the exercise will begin with fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II short take-off and vertical landing fighter jets. The UK Royal Navy will be able to learn more about the F-35B.
Another task of the exercise will be to assess the ability of the Mojave drone to land on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales, which is about 275 metres long. The drone, which can carry Hellfire missiles, has been designed specifically for landing and taking off from short runways.
The final phase of the exercise will utilise MV-22 Osprey convertibles. They are capable of expanding the ship's operational limits and joint operations capabilities. The convertoplanes are designed to transport troops and equipment to the battlefield.
Source: Royal Navy