Navy: The World’s Top 10 Biggest Aircraft Carriers

Aircraft carriers are the epitome of naval power, serving as floating airbases that project military might across the globe. Here is a list of the world’s top 10 biggest aircraft carriers, based on their size, displacement, and capabilities:

1. **USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) – United States**

– **Displacement**: Approximately 100,000 tons
– **Length**: 1,106 feet (337 meters)
– **Commissioned**: 2017
– **Features**: The newest and largest aircraft carrier in the world, featuring advanced technology such as the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), advanced arresting gear, and improved radar systems.

2. **USS Nimitz (CVN-68) – United States**

– **Displacement**: Approximately 100,000 tons
– **Length**: 1,092 feet (333 meters)
– **Commissioned**: 1975
– **Features**: The lead ship of the Nimitz-class, known for its large flight deck, nuclear propulsion, and capability to carry up to 90 aircraft.

3. **USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) – United States**

– **Displacement**: Approximately 100,000 tons
– **Length**: 1,092 feet (333 meters)
– **Commissioned**: 1977
– **Features**: Part of the Nimitz-class, equipped with modern combat systems, capable of supporting a wide range of aircraft operations.

4. **USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) – United States**

– **Displacement**: Approximately 100,000 tons
– **Length**: 1,092 feet (333 meters)
– **Commissioned**: 1982
– **Features**: Another Nimitz-class carrier, featuring extensive anti-submarine warfare capabilities and a robust air wing.

5. **Admiral Kuznetsov (063) – Russia**

– **Displacement**: Approximately 58,600 tons
– **Length**: 1,001 feet (305 meters)
– **Commissioned**: 1990
– **Features**: Russia’s flagship carrier, equipped with ski-jump ramps, anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles, and a mix of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

7. **Liaoning (CV-16) – China**

– **Displacement**: Approximately 58,600 tons
– **Length**: 999 feet (304.5 meters)
– **Commissioned**: 2012
– **Features**: China’s first aircraft carrier, originally a Soviet vessel, now modernized with Chinese technology, including ski-jump takeoff ramps and a robust air wing.

8. **Shandong (CV-17) – China**

– **Displacement**: Approximately 70,000 tons
– **Length**: 999 feet (304.5 meters)
– **Commissioned**: 2019
– **Features**: China’s first domestically built carrier, featuring an improved design over Liaoning, with better hangar space and more advanced systems.

9. **Queen Elizabeth (R08) – United Kingdom**

– **Displacement**: Approximately 65,000 tons
– **Length**: 920 feet (280 meters)
– **Commissioned**: 2017
– **Features**: The lead ship of the Queen Elizabeth-class, equipped with advanced radar systems, ski-jump ramps, and capable of carrying F-35B Lightning II jets.

10. **HMS Prince of Wales (R09) – United Kingdom**

– **Displacement**: Approximately 65,000 tons
– **Length**: 920 feet (280 meters)
– **Commissioned**: 2019
– **Features**: Sister ship to HMS Queen Elizabeth, with similar capabilities, designed for flexibility and multi-role operations.

11. **Charles de Gaulle (R91) – France**

– **Displacement**: Approximately 42,000 tons
– **Length**: 858 feet (261.5 meters)
– **Commissioned**: 2001
– **Features**: France’s flagship carrier, nuclear-powered, equipped with catapults and arresting gear, capable of supporting Rafale M fighters and E-2C Hawkeye aircraft.

These aircraft carriers represent the pinnacle of naval engineering and serve as key strategic assets for their respective nations, enabling rapid deployment and sustained military operations across the globe.