Intro
Discover the top 10 largest aircraft carriers in the world, showcasing naval supremacy. From the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Admiral Kuznetsov, explore the biggest and most advanced carriers, featuring cutting-edge technology, impressive deck sizes, and strategic military capabilities, highlighting the importance of aircraft carrier dominance in modern naval warfare.
The largest aircraft carriers in the world are a marvel of modern engineering and play a crucial role in the naval defense systems of their respective countries. These massive vessels serve as floating airbases, providing a mobile platform for launching aircraft and supporting a wide range of military operations. In this article, we will explore the top 10 largest aircraft carriers in the world, based on their size, tonnage, and overall capabilities.
Ranking Criteria
To determine the top 10 largest aircraft carriers, we have considered the following criteria:- Length: The overall length of the vessel from bow to stern.
- Beam: The maximum width of the vessel.
- Displacement: The total weight of the vessel when fully loaded with aircraft, fuel, and other supplies.
- Tonnage: The total weight of the vessel in tons.
- Aircraft capacity: The number of aircraft that the vessel can carry.
- Propulsion: The type and power of the propulsion system.
The Top 10 Largest Aircraft Carriers
1. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)
- Length: 337 meters (1,106 feet)
- Beam: 41 meters (134 feet)
- Displacement: 100,000 tons
- Tonnage: 112,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 75 aircraft
- Propulsion: Nuclear-powered, 2 A1B reactors
The USS Gerald R. Ford is the largest aircraft carrier in the world, commissioned by the United States Navy in 2017. It features a unique electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) and an advanced arresting gear (AAG) system.
2. USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
- Length: 332 meters (1,089 feet)
- Beam: 40 meters (131 feet)
- Displacement: 100,000 tons
- Tonnage: 105,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 60 aircraft
- Propulsion: Nuclear-powered, 2 A4W reactors
The USS Nimitz is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in 1975. It has a long service history, including participation in several military conflicts.
3. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)
- Length: 332 meters (1,089 feet)
- Beam: 40 meters (131 feet)
- Displacement: 100,000 tons
- Tonnage: 105,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 60 aircraft
- Propulsion: Nuclear-powered, 2 A4W reactors
The USS Theodore Roosevelt is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in 1986. It has a long service history, including participation in several military conflicts.
4. INS Vikramaditya (R33)
- Length: 282 meters (925 feet)
- Beam: 51 meters (167 feet)
- Displacement: 45,000 tons
- Tonnage: 58,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 30 aircraft
- Propulsion: Steam turbine, 8 boilers
The INS Vikramaditya is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the Indian Navy in 2014. It features a ski-jump ramp for launching aircraft.
5. USS Enterprise (CVN-80)
- Length: 342 meters (1,123 feet)
- Beam: 41 meters (134 feet)
- Displacement: 93,500 tons
- Tonnage: 110,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 70 aircraft
- Propulsion: Nuclear-powered, 2 A2W reactors
The USS Enterprise is a Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier currently under construction for the United States Navy.
6. USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79)
- Length: 337 meters (1,106 feet)
- Beam: 41 meters (134 feet)
- Displacement: 100,000 tons
- Tonnage: 112,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 75 aircraft
- Propulsion: Nuclear-powered, 2 A1B reactors
The USS John F. Kennedy is a Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier currently under construction for the United States Navy.
7. Liaoning (16)
- Length: 305 meters (1,001 feet)
- Beam: 70 meters (230 feet)
- Displacement: 50,000 tons
- Tonnage: 60,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 30 aircraft
- Propulsion: Steam turbine, 8 boilers
The Liaoning is a modified Soviet-era Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in 2012.
8. USS George Washington (CVN-73)
- Length: 332 meters (1,089 feet)
- Beam: 40 meters (131 feet)
- Displacement: 100,000 tons
- Tonnage: 105,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 60 aircraft
- Propulsion: Nuclear-powered, 2 A4W reactors
The USS George Washington is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in 1992.
9. INS Vikrant (IAC-1)
- Length: 262 meters (860 feet)
- Beam: 59 meters (194 feet)
- Displacement: 40,000 tons
- Tonnage: 45,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 20 aircraft
- Propulsion: Steam turbine, 4 boilers
The INS Vikrant is a Vikrant-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the Indian Navy in 2020. It features a ski-jump ramp for launching aircraft.
10. Charles de Gaulle (R91)
- Length: 261 meters (856 feet)
- Beam: 64 meters (210 feet)
- Displacement: 42,000 tons
- Tonnage: 55,000 tons
- Aircraft capacity: 30 aircraft
- Propulsion: Nuclear-powered, 2 K15 reactors
The Charles de Gaulle is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned by the French Navy in 2001.
Gallery of Aircraft Carriers
Aircraft Carrier Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest aircraft carrier in the world?
+The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is the largest aircraft carrier in the world, commissioned by the United States Navy in 2017.
What is the purpose of an aircraft carrier?
+An aircraft carrier serves as a floating airbase, providing a mobile platform for launching aircraft and supporting a wide range of military operations.
How many aircraft can an aircraft carrier carry?
+The number of aircraft an aircraft carrier can carry varies depending on the vessel, but typically ranges from 20 to 75 aircraft.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the top 10 largest aircraft carriers in the world. These impressive vessels play a critical role in modern naval warfare, and their capabilities continue to evolve with advances in technology. Share your thoughts on the importance of aircraft carriers in the comments below!