Explore the World’s Longest Aircraft Carrier: 337 Meters of Naval Might

Humans have always sought to master the oceans. These vast expanses of water, once feared, are now crossed by a multitude of ships. There are imposing ferries, often criticized for their expensive cruises, small optimists that entertain families during the holidays, and the famous tankers that transport goods around the world. But there are also other giants of the seas, such as aircraft carriers. Do you know which is the largest of them?

What is the use of an aircraft carrier?

Before we look at the military colossus of the seas, let’s take a look at the very definition of what an aircraft carrier is. Based on the website of the National Center for Textual and Lexical Resources, we learn that it is a “nlarge warship, carrying combat aircraft, and whose deck is fitted out as a platform allowing these aircraft to take off and land. “

When did the first tests of this type take place? You have to refer to the website of the French Navy to learn that the first “The take-off of an airplane at sea took place experimentally in 1910 on board the American cruiser Birmingham.A story that lasts and has been perfected over time.

Because that is the whole point of such a machine: to be able to quickly take off fighter planes and other aircraft close to the intended targets. Beyond the primary utility with its military function, it is truly a small city on the water with a population approaching thousands of individuals sometimes with a huge number of diverse functions.

And the largest aircraft carrier in the world is…

As is often the case in the military field, excess comes to us from the United States. This is the case for the largest aircraft carrier in the world. Since 2017, a military ship has reigned over the oceans: the USS Gerald R. Ford CVN-78. Built by Northrop Grumman, it is the newest American aircraft carrier and holds the record for the largest military ship deployed in the world. A giant of steel and technology, described in detail by our colleagues at Le Parisien in 2023.

After more than a decade of construction, it was delivered 7 years ago and named in honor of US President Gerald Ford (1974-1977). But what did the US armed forces get for $13 billion? The daily describes a colossus 337 meters long, 78 meters wide, slightly larger than the Eiffel Tower, weighing about 100,000 tons and capable of moving at nearly 55 km/h, or about 30 knots. This impressive structure can accommodate nearly 4,500 people, also setting a record.

How many aircraft can the USS Gerald R. Ford carry?

This is precisely the advantage of having such a ship. It allows aircraft to be deployed quickly and efficiently to conflict zones or for surveillance missions. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, can carry nearly 90 aircraft, whether planes, helicopters or drones.

For comparison, the French aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, can mobilise 1,900 people and 40 aircraft: Rafale Marine, E-2C Hawkeye, helicopters including Dauphin Pedro and Caïman Marine, as specified on the Defence website.