The UK Royal Navy’s recently commissioned aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth sailed from its homeport in Portsmouth Naval Base on 2 February to begin rotary-wing trials at sea. 

The trials will be carried out with two Boeing Chinook transport helicopters and two AgustaWestland Merlin HMA2 maritime helicopters, all of which were fitted with specialised instrumentation. These trials will involve operating different types of helicopters from the ship in all weather conditions and fully testing the myriad of onboard systems that are designed to support aviation. 

Flight trails for the new F-35B stealth jet will take place later in the year.