Clash of Steel
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HMS Ark Royal


Photographs taken by Paul Britton during a visit aboard HMS Ark Royal.

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The cable locker, and anchor chains on board the Ark Royal
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

The Raytheon Systems, Phalanx Close In Weapons System was first developed in 1977, and began to be deployed in the US Navy from 1980. It fires 20mm shells and can be operated fully automatically using both radar and Forward-looking Infra-Red (FLIR) t...
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

A view from below decks, looking up through one of the aircraft lifts
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

Taken from the 'ski-jump' the view of the flight-deck and stern gives some impression of the ship's size.
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

This view of Ark Royal's flight deck clearly shows the take-off route for the ship's complement of Sea Harrier FA.2 aircraft. The 'ski-jump' at the end provides a boost of much-needed lift at the last moment.
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

The stern and white ensign of the Ark Royal, with the older Type 23 'Duke' class frigate, HMS Westminster moored astern, and the harbour entrance in the background.
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

The superstructure, bridge and masts of the Ark Royal.
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

One of the chaff dispensers on board the Ark Royal, designed to eject huge quantities of aluminium foil in a cloud to confuse a radar-guided missile attack.
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

This LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel), from 17 Royal Logistics Corps Port and Maritime Regiment can transport a platoon of Soldiers or, as in this case, a Landrover and trailer and deliver them to a landing beach via the bow ramp.
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

An Augusta Westland EH101, in service with the Royal Naval Air Service as a Merlin HM.1 No. R269. It's primary roles are anti-submarine and Anti-surface warfare, but can also be used in the Airborne early warning, Search and Rescue, Medevac and trans...
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

Based on the Oerlikon 20mm cannon, the GAM BO1 is fitted to most ships of the Royal Navy for smaller-caliber gunnery duties. It has a range of 2km and a rate of fire up to 900 rounds per minute.
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

Ark Royal, moored alongside the Portsmouth dockyard.
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

The Type 23 Frigate Westminster, moored in Portsmouth during an Assisted Maintenance Period. Her 4.5 inch Mk 8 gun with 2 quad Harpoon missile launchers just aft can clearly be seen.
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

The RAF's largest helicopter, tasked with support transport, can accommodate 54 equiped troops or a 10 tonne payload. The load bay is large enough to fit two Landrovers. Chinooks like this one were carried aboard HMS Ark Royal and Ocean in the recent...
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

The only fixed-wing, carrier-borne aircraft left in service with the Royal Navy. The Sea Harrier, built by BAe Systems provides fleet defence and strike capabilities.
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003

After the Falklands War it became clear that the Royal Navy lacked and Airborne Early Warning radar capability. This version of the trusty Sea King helicopter is the result, note the radar dome slung amidships, which pivots rearward for landing.
Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, July 2003