HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier's Radar Switched On

The UK Royal Navy's Elizabeth-class (QE) aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth’s crew has first time switched on the vessel's S1850M radar.

The flashing up of the long-range radar was part of ongoing preparations to ready the warship for sea next year, the royal navy announced today.

"Having been a part of the long range radar programme since it was delivered to Rosyth back in October 2013, it's very satisfying to see it 'turning and burning' - a milestone nearly two years in the making” Weapon engineers PO Ian 'Mac' McDonald said.

"It shows both the progress of the ship's radar section in conjunction with mission systems, and that Queen Elizabeth is another step closer to becoming an operational warship." McDonald added.

The radar can track up to 1,000 contacts up to a range of 400km from the vessel as it is designed to provide a three dimensional and long-range picture.

However, during the restricted operation, the radar compiled an air picture, tracking aircraft on approach to Glasgow airport, which is 40 miles to the west of Rosyth, as well as transatlantic traffic to and from the rest of the UK.

The radar has not been switched on to full power yet due to the current power and safety limitations.

The 300m-long HMS Queen Elizabeth will boost sustained operations, and has an air-wing of up to 40 aircraft, in addition to AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin HM2 multi-role rotorcraft and Merlin HC4 amphibious support helicopters.

The navy is expected to begin sea trials for the carrier in August 2016, followed by commissioning in May 2017.