The UK's newest aircraft carrier has fewer sailors and fighter jets than US supercarriers. It's built to operate 'lean.'
Business Insider visited the Royal Navy's fleet flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, as it conducted operations in the Norwegian Sea.
The HMS Prince of Wales, the United Kingdom's newest aircraft carrier, operates with a lean crew and a highly efficient air wing, unlike the larger US supercarriers. During operations near Norway, the carrier can carry up to 36 F-35 fighter jets, though only a few were present when Business Insider visited. Despite its smaller size, the ship can accommodate up to 72 aircraft and 1,600 sailors and Royal Marines.
Capt. Ben Power, the carrier's commanding officer, highlighted the ship's automation system, which significantly reduces the manpower required to arm fighter jets. The Prince of Wales, currently part of the UK carrier strike group, demonstrated its capabilities by launching F-35s in NATO air policing operations, marking the first time such missions were launched from a European aircraft carrier.
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