HMS Queen Elizabeth: All you need to know about Royal Navy carrier's next voyage

HMS Queen Elizabeth is leaving New York City after a week-long visit.Â
HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in New York City. Picture: Royal NavyHMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in New York City. Picture: Royal Navy
HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in New York City. Picture: Royal Navy

The £3.1bn Royal Navy warship is set to continue her historic flight trials after leaving the Big Apple today (October 26). 

The crew will wave good bye to New York City after seven days of exploring the city as well as hosting national and international events '“ including visit from Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson. 

Here's what you need to know: 

HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in New York City. Picture: Royal NavyHMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in New York City. Picture: Royal Navy
HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in New York City. Picture: Royal Navy

What is HMS Queen Elizabeth's next voyage? 

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The Royal Navy will be continuing her journey on the East Coast of America '“ before returning to Portsmouth later this year. 

She will be carrying out deck trials II - continuing the historic flight tests that saw F-35 land on her decks for the first time and the first jet flying from the carrier drop test bombs. 

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Speaking about the recent flight tests, the outgoing HMS Queen Elizabeth CO Captain Jerry Kyd added: '˜It has been a superb effort by everyone across the Integrated Test Force and HMS Queen Elizabeth so far '“ I could not be more pleased with the team spirit and dynamism shown by all.

'That has delivered a volume of quality data which has put us well ahead of where we expected to be at this stage.

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'˜I am very grateful to all the Integrated Test Force folk who have been focused, professional and willing to go the extra mile.'

What have they done on flight tests? 

HMS Queen Elizabeth's historic flight trials will resume with far more achieved in the first three weeks than anticipated.

So far there have been:

- 98 take-offs using the ski ramp

- the first '˜rolling' landing, bringing the F-35 to a stop on the flight deck instead of the aircraft dropping down vertically

- night flying

- and even some rough weather trials to begin pushing the conditions in which the carrier can operate her air power safely.

When is HMS Queen Elizabeth due back in Portsmouth? 

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The Royal Navy won't confirm exact movements of the warship.  

Although it is dependent on sea and weather conditions, the hope is that HMS Queen Elizabeth will be back in Portsmouth in December.

And if all goes as planned, the carrier will be back in her home port before Christmas '“ meaning it should be a very happy festival period for the crew and their families.