History of HMS Ark Royal R09

​Ark Royal was one of Four Audacious-class ships were laid down, but two (HMS Africa and the original HMS Eagle) were cancelled when the Second World War ended, and construction of the other two was suspended for several years. Both surviving ships were extensively upgraded throughout their lifetimes.

Ark Royal participated in many exercises as part of the British fleet and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) squadrons but saw no combat duty. 

By 1970, Ark Royal had a complement of 39 aircraft. This typically comprised 12 Phantom FG MK.1s, of 892 Naval Air Squadron, 14 Buccaneer S MK.2s of 809 Squadron, 4 Gannet AEW (Airborne Early Warning) Mk.3s of B Flight 849 Squadron, 6 Sea King HAS Mk.1s of 824 Squadron, 2 Wessex HAR Mk.1s of the Ship's Flight and one Gannet COD Mk.4

In 1977, under the flag of Admiral Sir Henry Leach KCB Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Ark Royal led the Royal Navy's tribute to and celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee at Spithead
​
When she was decommissioned in 1979, she was the Royal Navy's last remaining conventional catapult and arrested-landing aircraft carrier.

---

​Stastistics

• Laid Down 3rd May 1973
• Launched 3rd May 1950
• Commissioned 22nd February 1955
• 245 metres       Total length 
• 53,950 tonnes       Total displacement
• Ark Royal was the only non-United States vessel to operate the McDonnell Douglas Phantom at sea.
• Ark Royal was the first aircraft carrier to be equipped with angled flight deck at its commissioning.
• The Fleet Air Arm Museum has mimicked the ship's island and flight deck in its central hall as an Aircraft Carrier Experience exhibition.

The Model - 1/350 Ark Royal by The Dorset Print Man 

The model depicting Ark Royal is a 3D printed model designed and produced by the Dorset Printman. The kit consists of a two part Hull and resin island. Additional details are further printed in resin to attain greater accuracy. 

All aircraft on the deck of this model are also 3D printed. 

---