RN Aircraft Carriers: Audacious / Eagle Class 1951

[Brian James]

Audacious Class Carrier HMS Eagle pictured during the Suez Crisis in 1956.

[Brian James]

Cross-decking McDonnell F3H Demon aircraft from USS Saratoga pictured on HMS Ark Royal during Exercise Strikeback in the North Atlantic, September 1957.

[Brian James]

Audacious Class Carrier HMS Ark Royal pictured on September 14th 1957.

[Brian James]

Audacious Class Carrier HMS Eagle pictured passing the Sail Training Ship 'Danmark' on entry to Plymouth Sound in 1970.

[Brian James]

A crossdecking FAA F-4K Phantom II off HMS Ark Royal, pictured alongside a USN F-4 Phantom during flight operations on board USS Independence in the 1970s.....*Note the extended length of the nosewheel oleo on the RN Phantom.

[Pelican]

HMS Eagle following her extensive 1959-1964 modernization. She received a host of new upgrades and modifications, not the least of which was her completely rebuilt island seen in the photo (rebuilt to accommodate some of the latest electronics equipment available). Other modifications including a modified and strengthened flightdeck. She also received new equipment including arrestor gear and steam catapults to better handle her aircraft. Improved weaponry and superior crew accommodations were also added.

This picture was taken following the completion of that modernization and shows her at Portsmouth’s Railway Jetty.

[Brian James]

HMS Eagle pictured on post refit sea trials off Plymouth in 1964.

[Brian James]

HMS Eagle....1963.

[Brian James]

Hawker Sea Hawks...Westland Wyverns....Douglas AEW.1 Skyraiders.........HMS Eagle 1955.

[Brian James]

Fort Class Ammunition Ship RFA Fort Rosalie pictured ammunitioning with HMS Ark Royal during Beira Patrol deployment in 1966.