Aircraft Carriers Collection

HMS Eagle with aircraft on deck

HMS Bulwark, August 1957

Westland Whirlwinds on HMS Bulwark
Westland Whirlwind helicopters of 845 Squadron on HMS Bulwark, 1 August 1957

HMS Illustrious, 1942
Illustrious class aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, 1942

HMS Bulwark
Westland Whirlwind HAS.7 helicopters of 845 Squadron approach HMS Bulwark, 1 August 1957

HMS Implacable, February 1950
HMS Implacable in Weymouth Bay, February 1950

HMS Ark Royal, February 1954

Fairey Swordfish I of 820 Squadron over HMS Ark Royal, 1939

HMS Indomitable, 1943
HMS Indomitable at its moorings with another aircraft carrier in the distance

HMS Indomitable, 1943
HMS Indomitable with a Supermarine Seafire Mk. IIC flying overhead, 1943

HMS Implacable and HMS Vengeance, February 1950
HMS Implacable and HMS Vengeance in Weymouth Bay, February 1950

Hawker Sea Fury F. 10 and FB. 11
Hawker Sea Fury F.10 and FB.11 aircraft of 805 Squadron flying over HMAS Sydney 8 February 1949

Hawker Sea Hawk FGA. 6
Hawker Sea Hawk FGA.6 (XE375) of 898 Squadron on the deck of HMS Ark Royal, circa 1955

HMS Ocean, 11 August 1945
Colossus Class aircraft carrier HMS Ocean

USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America, North America

HMS Eagle, 1951

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, Manhattan, New York City, United States of America, North America

Hawker Sea Hawk F. 1
Hawker Sea Hawk F.1 of 806 Squadron landing on HMS Eagle 1954

Supermarine Seafire F. 15
Supermarine Seafire F.15 (SR572) of 1832 Squadron, piloted by Lt Cdr Js Bailey making his 2000th deck landing, HMS Illustrious 24 May 1950

Westland Wyvern and Hawker Sea Hawk
Westland Wyvern S.4 (VZ796) and Hawker Sea Hawk FB.3 (WM906) of 703 Squadron Fa in flight over HMS Ark Royal 28 March 1955

Hawker Sea Fury FB. 10
Hawker Sea Fury FB.10 (TF947) of 803 Squadron RCN flying over HMCS Magnificent, 6 May 1948

Douglas Skyraider AEW. 1
Douglas Skyraider AEW.1 of 849 Squadron landing on HMS Eagle 1954

Blackburn Firebrand TF. 5
Blackburn Firebrand TF.5 aircraft of 813 Squadron on the flight deck of HMS Implacable, February 1950

Hawker Sea Fury FB. 11
Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 (VW240) of 703 Squadron taking off from HMAS Sydney 8 February 1949

HMCS Magnificent
Majestic Class aircraft carrier HMCS Magnificent seen from the flight deck of HMS Bulwark

HMS Searcher, 1944
Archer Class aircraft carrier HMS Searcher, 1944

HMS Courageous, 1932
HMS Courageous at Gibraltar, 1932

Supermarine Seafire F. 47
Supermarine Seafire F.47 (PS948) taking off from HMS Illustrious, May 1947

HMS Courageous in a heavy sea, 1937

Whirlwind HAS. 7
Westland Whirlwind HAS.7 helicopter of 848 Squadron in flight from HMS Bulwark, 1960

Fairey Firefly IV over HMS Illustrious 18 March 1947

Fairey Flycatcher of 401 Flight over HMS Eagle, 1930

USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America, North America

de Havilland Vampire (LZ551) prototype taking off from HMS Ocean, December 1945

Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, San Diego, California, United States of America, North America

De Havilland Sea Venom FAW22 aircraft of 894 Squadron on HMS Eagle, 1957

Westland Dragonfly HR. 3
Westland Dragonfly HR.3 (WG750) of the Ships Flight taking off from the flight deck of HMS Eagle 1954

HMS Pegasus, Portsmouth 1938
HMS Pegasus at Portsmouth, 1938; formerly HMS Ark Royal

HMS Argus at sea

The Royal Navys aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious seen here under construction at the Swan Hunter Shipbuilders yard on the Tyne at Wallsend. 13th December 1977

HMS Courageous seen here leaving Devonport dockyard following her conversion from battleship to aircraft carrier. 14th May 1928

USA, Virginia, Portsmouth, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, aircraft carriers under construction, dawn

HMS Invincible at Portsmouth
Aerial views of the docks at Portsmouth showing HMS Invincible 1990

An adventurous launch (colour litho)
2783932 An adventurous launch (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: An adventurous launch)

Lined up on each side of the white line on the flight deck of HMS Emperor waiting for the word " Go". Hellcat fighter bombers with wings stored a short while before they took off to attack

Bombs falling astern of HMS Ark Royal during an attack by Italian aircraft during the Battle of Cape Spartivento 27th November 1940

HMS Hermes, the Royal Navys first purpose built aircraft carrier, seen here at a fleet review. 28th July 1928

A joke appreciated by all of the ships crew of HMS Queen during a ships concert party whilst moored at Scapa Flow. Circa June 1945

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"Aircraft Carriers: The Mighty Guardians of the Seas" HMS Bulwark, an iconic aircraft carrier that served in the Royal Navy. Remembering the legendary HMS Eagle and its significant contributions to naval warfare. Stepping back in time with HMS Illustrious, 1942 – a symbol of resilience and strength. Saluting the historic legacy of HMS Ark Royal, a true icon among aircraft carriers. Unleashing Westland Whirlwinds on board HMS Bulwark – a sight to behold. Witnessing the power and grandeur of HMS Implacable, February 1950 edition. Reliving the glory days of WWII with HMS Indomitable, 1943 – a force to be reckoned with. Marveling at Fairey Swordfish I's remarkable role on aircraft carriers during wartime operations. Exploring history aboard USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum – an awe-inspiring experience. Admiring Hawker Sea Fury F. 10 and FB11 as they take flight from mighty aircraft carriers. They have always been more than just vessels; they represent power projection, innovation, and strategic dominance over vast oceans worldwide. From renowned ships like HMS Bulwark or illustrious names such as HMS Eagle, each carrier has left an indelible mark on naval history. The valiant efforts of ships like HMS Illustrious in 1942 showcased their ability to withstand relentless attacks while providing crucial air support during critical battles. HMS Ark Royal stands tall as a symbol of British naval might throughout decades past - her name synonymous with triumphs both near home shores and across distant seas.