HMS Queen Elizabeth: When will Royal Navy's £3.1bn aircraft carrier enter active service?Â

HMS Queen Elizabeth is carrying out historic flight tests in America as it continues prepare to enter active service.Â
HMS Queen Elizabeth arriving in New York City. Picture: LPhot Kyle Hellers/Royal Navy/MoD/Crown copyright/PA WireHMS Queen Elizabeth arriving in New York City. Picture: LPhot Kyle Hellers/Royal Navy/MoD/Crown copyright/PA Wire
HMS Queen Elizabeth arriving in New York City. Picture: LPhot Kyle Hellers/Royal Navy/MoD/Crown copyright/PA Wire

The £3.1bn warship sailed for the US from Portsmouth in August for the trials which has seen F-35 jets land on her decks for the first time. 

Here's all you need to know about when HMS Queen Elizabeth will enter active service:

When was the ship ordered? 

HMS Queen Elizabeth arriving in New York City. Picture: LPhot Kyle Hellers/Royal Navy/MoD/Crown copyright/PA WireHMS Queen Elizabeth arriving in New York City. Picture: LPhot Kyle Hellers/Royal Navy/MoD/Crown copyright/PA Wire
HMS Queen Elizabeth arriving in New York City. Picture: LPhot Kyle Hellers/Royal Navy/MoD/Crown copyright/PA Wire
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The 33,000 tonne aircraft carrier was ordered in 2008 - on May 20 '“ by then defence secretary Des Browne. 

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When was HMS Queen Elizabeth built? 

Construction of the warship began in 2009 at Rosyth Dockyard in Fife. 

She was finished in July 2014 and arrived in Portsmouth for the first time in August 2017. 

Why is HMS Queen Elizabeth in America?

The warship is carrying out historic flight tests in the US - which has seen F-35 fighter jets land on the deck for the first time. 

So far the following tests have been carried out: 

- 98 take-offs using the ski ramp

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- 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 will HMS QE enter active service? 

The £3.1bn warship is expected to eneter activie duty in 2021.Â