UK: aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales returns to operational duty with Royal Navy.

According to information published by Opex 360 on September 3, 2023, following a nine-month stint in dry dock at the Rosyth shipyard in Scotland, during which it underwent repairs for a broken shaft experienced before a North Atlantic patrol in August 2022, the UK's second aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, is back in operation.
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British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. (Picture source: UK MoD)

The Royal Navy announced on 1st September that the ship has now departed from the naval base in Portsmouth, heading to the United States. In essence, the vessel is embarking on the mission it was unable to carry out last year - with a twist.

During this deployment, which is expected to last around four months, the HMS Prince of Wales will be trialing new concepts aiming to "push the boundaries" of naval aviation operations with a significant focus on onboard aerial drones.

According to the Royal Navy, the 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier's crew will conduct drone refueling tests as part of the "Heavy Lift Challenge" project. This will be in collaboration with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Windraces Autonomous Systems, which developed a drone capable of carrying at least 100 kg over a distance of 1,000 km.

Considering that, as per US Navy statistics, 90% of logistics missions for aircraft carriers, conducted by V-22 Ospreys and C-2 Greyhounds, involve parcels weighing under 25 kg (often crucial electronic components or parts for system repair and maintenance), the use of drones could help save the operational potential of Fleet Air Arm helicopters.

It's worth noting that the French Navy had previously tested a logistics drone aboard the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Similarly, the US Navy, through the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), has evaluated Skyway's Blue Water drone.

Upon its arrival in the US, HMS Prince of Wales will host STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) F-35B fighter-bombers. The Royal Navy has stated the aim is to "test more advanced take-off and landing techniques" to reduce the interval between flights and "launch more missions."

The vessel will also potentially test with the US Marine Corps' MV-22B Ospreys, gearing up for the HMS Prince of Wales's "global deployment" in 2025. However, the use of these aircraft, especially after one recently crashed in Australia, is contingent on flight approvals.

Lastly, as hinted at a few weeks ago, the Royal Navy will trial the MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) "Mojave" drone from American manufacturer General Atomics aboard the HMS Prince of Wales.

This project has been backed by a £1.5 million contract. Unveiled in December 2021, the Mojave, reminiscent of the MQ-9 Reaper, boasts the capability to take off from shorter runways due to its redesigned landing gear and modified wings. Equipped with a 450 horsepower Rolls Royce turboprop, it can carry around 700 kg of ammunition.