TYNE BUILT SHIPS
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Name: ILLUSTRIOUS
Type: Aircraft Carrier
Keel: 01/10/1976
Launched: 01/12/1978
Completed: 20/06/1982
Builder: Swan Hunter Shipbuilders Ltd
Yard: Wallsend
Yard Number: 102
Dimensions: 16000disp - 19810disp, 192.63 x 27.43 x 7.32(draft)metres
Engines: 4 x Gas turbines, Olympus TM3B type, 97000hp
Engines by: Rolls Royce Plc
Propulsion: 2 x Screws, 30.0+knots
Construction: Steel
Armament: 1 x 2 & 1 x 1 x Sea Dart SAM; 2 x 1 x 20mm guns; 2 x 1 x 20mm Vulcan-Phalanx CIWS;
22 x aircraft (Sea Harrier and/or Sea King)
(Post refit: 3 x Goalkeeper CIWS guns; 22 x aircraft)
History:
20/06/1982 British Royal Navy
2016 Broken up
Comments: Member of the INVINCIBLE Class and allocated pennant R06
Ordered as a through deck cruiser & reclassified as an aircraft carrier in 1980s
Fitted with a "ski jump" ramp to assist short take off Sea Harrier launches
2010: Harrier aircraft retired, operated as a helicoper carrier
2014: Withdrawn from service. Expected to be preserved.
07/12/2016: Left Portsmouth under tow for breaking up at Aliaga


Above photo, taken 11/11/1978, is copyright of Dennis Maccoy

Note the anchor pockets in the above photos that were deleted before completion. Photo copyright of Dennis Maccoy

Above photo, taken 11/11/1978, is copyright of Dennis Maccoy

Above photo taken 26/11/1978 copyright of Dennis Maccoy

Above photo courtesy of Dave Wilkinson

Above photo, dated 16/05/1981, is copyright of Mike Ridgard. CLICK to enlarge/BACK to return

Above ILLUSTRIOUS passes ARK ROYAL. Photo is copyright of the Imperial War Museum

Above photo is copyright of Ken Lubi

Above photo is copyright of Ken Lubi

Above photo is courtesy of Photoship

Above: ILLUSTRIOUS heads for breaking up. Photo is copyright of Jeff Morgan

Above: ILLUSTRIOUS being broken up. Photo is copyright of Fatih Takmakli

Profile & Decks plans copyright of Bob Downey. Click HERE to enlarge

Click on enlarged image to magnify even further. Use Browser BACK button to return.