The British Royal Navy, as it is known today, began in the 16th century. King Henry VIII (r. 1509-47) started a program of naval warship expansion in response to threats to England from Scotland and France. Henry's original fleet was known as the Navy Royal and, by the time of his death in 1547, it numbered 58 vessels.
Aircraft Carriers
The Royal Navy has three current, active duty aircraft carriers: Invincible, Illustrious and Ark Royal. The ships weigh in excess of 22,000 tons, and they are 686 feet long and have a traveling speed of 30 knots. The carriers each have an operating crew of over 700 and can accommodate almost 400 air personnel.
Frigates
The Royal Navy has two types of frigates, type 22 and type 23. Type 22 frigates are designed for antisubmarine, surface and aircraft defense. They are around 485 feet long, can travel at 30 knots and carry a maximum of 301 personnel. The navy has four type 22 frigates, including the Cornwall and the Chatham. Type 23 frigates are designed for defense and stealth, they are approximately 436 feet long and weigh approximately 4,900 tons. The Royal Navy has 13 type 23 frigates, including the Monmouth, Portland and Westminster.
Destroyers
The Royal Navy has two types of destroyer-class vessels, type 42 and type 45. The navy has six type 42 destroyers, designed to defend against air and surface threats. The ships range between 410 and 462 feet in length and between 4,820 and 5,200 tons in weight. The top speed of type 42 destroyers is about 30 knots. Type 45 destroyers can weigh up to 7,350 tons and are 500 feet in length. The Royal Navy, as of November 2010, has only one vessel in this class, the HMS Daring, but others are in construction.
Assault Ship
The HMS Ocean is the Royal Navy's land invasion ship, designed to carry attack troops and equipment. Its purpose is to drop off and retrieve personnel and munitions speedily and easily with the support of other units close in to the shoreline of a target area.
