The 10 Largest Aircraft Carriers in the World
The aircraft carrier is one of the most impressive and powerful naval vessels in the world, serving as a floating airbase that can deploy aircraft and provide air support for military operations. These massive ships are the centerpiece of a navy’s fleet, providing a mobile airbase that can project power across the globe. Here, we will take a look at the 10 largest aircraft carriers in the world, showcasing their impressive size and capabilities.
1. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) - United States
The USS Gerald R. Ford is the largest aircraft carrier in the world, with a displacement of over 100,000 tons and a length of 1,106 feet (337 meters). This behemoth of a ship is powered by two Bechtel A1B nuclear reactors and can reach speeds of up to 30 knots (56 km/h). The USS Gerald R. Ford is equipped with advanced systems, including the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system.
2. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) - United States
The USS Nimitz is the second-largest aircraft carrier in the world and the lead ship of the Nimitz-class carriers. With a displacement of over 97,000 tons and a length of 1,092 feet (333 meters), this ship is an impressive sight to behold. The USS Nimitz is powered by two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors and can reach speeds of up to 30 knots (56 km/h).
3. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) - United States
The USS Theodore Roosevelt is another Nimitz-class carrier that ranks among the largest in the world. With a displacement of over 96,000 tons and a length of 1,092 feet (333 meters), this ship is a force to be reckoned with. The USS Theodore Roosevelt is powered by two General Electric GE 1A nuclear reactors and can reach speeds of up to 30 knots (56 km/h).
4. INS Vikramaditya (R33) - India
The INS Vikramaditya is the largest aircraft carrier in the Indian Navy, with a displacement of over 44,000 tons and a length of 932 feet (284 meters). This modified Kiev-class carrier is powered by eight boilers and can reach speeds of up to 32 knots (59 km/h). The INS Vikramaditya is equipped with a range of aircraft, including the MiG-29K and the Kamov Ka-31.
5. Admiral Kuznetsov (063) - Russia
The Admiral Kuznetsov is the largest aircraft carrier in the Russian Navy, with a displacement of over 58,000 tons and a length of 932 feet (284 meters). This Kuznetsov-class carrier is powered by eight boilers and can reach speeds of up to 32 knots (59 km/h). The Admiral Kuznetsov is equipped with a range of aircraft, including the Su-33 and the Kamov Ka-27.
6. HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) - United Kingdom
The HMS Queen Elizabeth is the largest aircraft carrier in the Royal Navy, with a displacement of over 65,000 tons and a length of 932 feet (284 meters). This Queen Elizabeth-class carrier is powered by two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines and can reach speeds of up to 25 knots (46 km/h). The HMS Queen Elizabeth is equipped with a range of aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II.
7. USS George Washington (CVN-73) - United States
The USS George Washington is another Nimitz-class carrier that ranks among the largest in the world. With a displacement of over 95,000 tons and a length of 1,092 feet (333 meters), this ship is a formidable force. The USS George Washington is powered by two General Electric GE 1A nuclear reactors and can reach speeds of up to 30 knots (56 km/h).
8. Charles de Gaulle (R91) - France
The Charles de Gaulle is the largest aircraft carrier in the French Navy, with a displacement of over 42,000 tons and a length of 858 feet (262 meters). This Clemenceau-class carrier is powered by two nuclear reactors and can reach speeds of up to 27 knots (50 km/h). The Charles de Gaulle is equipped with a range of aircraft, including the Rafale and the E-2C Hawkeye.
9. Giuseppe Garibaldi (551) - Italy
The Giuseppe Garibaldi is the largest aircraft carrier in the Italian Navy, with a displacement of over 13,000 tons and a length of 585 feet (179 meters). This Giuseppe Garibaldi-class carrier is powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines and can reach speeds of up to 31 knots (57 km/h). The Giuseppe Garibaldi is equipped with a range of aircraft, including the AV-8B Harrier II.
10. Liaoning (16) - China
The Liaoning is the largest aircraft carrier in the People’s Liberation Army Navy, with a displacement of over 59,000 tons and a length of 885 feet (270 meters). This Kuznetsov-class carrier is powered by eight boilers and can reach speeds of up to 32 knots (59 km/h). The Liaoning is equipped with a range of aircraft, including the J-15 and the Z-8 helicopter.
🚨 Note: The rankings may vary depending on the source and criteria used.
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of a navy’s fleet, providing a mobile airbase that can project power across the globe. These massive ships are equipped with advanced systems and can carry a range of aircraft, from fighter jets to helicopters. Whether used for military operations or humanitarian missions, aircraft carriers are an essential part of modern naval warfare.
What is the largest aircraft carrier in the world?
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The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is the largest aircraft carrier in the world, with a displacement of over 100,000 tons and a length of 1,106 feet (337 meters).
What is the fastest aircraft carrier in the world?
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The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is the fastest aircraft carrier in the world, with a top speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h).
What is the most advanced aircraft carrier in the world?
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The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is considered the most advanced aircraft carrier in the world, with features such as the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system.
