110 I HMS Queen Elizabeth
HIGHLY MECHANISED WEAPONS HANDLING SYSTEM (HMWHS) The Highly Mechanised Weapons Handling System (HMWHS), designed and manufactured by Babcock, is a game-changing innovation for the Queen Elizabeth class (QEC) aircraft carriers, providing the first naval application of a system based on the method for transporting luggage around an airport. The HMWHS moves palletised munitions from the magazines and weapon preparation areas along track ways and lifts. The magazines are unmanned and the movement of pallets is controlled from a central location. Manpower is only required when munitions are being initially stored or prepared for use, speeding up the delivery of munitions and improving the efficiency of the crew. As a result, the QEC aircraft carriers displace more tonnage per crew member than any other major warship class, allowing greater space for embarked forces, for example additional air crews and/or Royal Marine Commandos.
There will be four galleys on board and four large dining areas, which will be manned by 67 catering staff. The largest dining room has the capacity to serve 960 crew members in one hour. There will be an eight-bed medical suite, operating theatre and dental surgery, which will be managed by 11 medical staff. These facilities can also be augmented to suit the requirements of every individual mission. Facilities on board will include a cinema and fitness suites in order to provide the ship’s company, some of whom will be away from home for months at a time, with a range of recreational activities. Crew members will also have personal access to email and the Internet. Crew will share six-berth cabins with large and comfortable bunks and adjacent toilet and shower facilities.
Right: A galley, one of four on board, and a typical cabin (inset) are representative of some of the creature comforts found in HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Photo Aircraft creditCarrier Alliance photos
ACCOMMODATION