Charles de Gaulle vs Queen Elizabeth
Charles de Gaulle vs Queen Elizabeth at a glance — displacement 42,500 vs 70,600 tons, length 261 vs 284 m, speed 27 vs 25 knots, crew 1,350 vs 679.
| Charles de Gaulle | Queen Elizabeth | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Aircraft carrier | Aircraft carrier |
| Type | Aircraft carrier | Aircraft carrier |
| Manufacturer | DCN | Aircraft Carrier Alliance |
| Year introduced | 2001 | 2017 |
| Number built | 1 unit | 2 units |
| Estimated unit price | $3,500 million | $4,850 million |
| Displacement | 42,500 tons | 70,600 tons |
| Maximum speed | 27.0 knots | 25.0 knots |
| Range | Unlimited | 10,000 nm at 15 knots |
| Length | 261.5 m | 284.0 m |
| Beam | 64.4 m | 73.0 m |
| Crew | 1,350 | 679 |
| Charles de Gaulle | Queen Elizabeth | |
|---|---|---|
| Armament |
|
|
| Propulsion | 2 × Areva K15 pressurised water reactors (PWR), 150 MWt each; 2 × Alstom steam turbines with a total 61 MW (82,000 hp) shaft power; 4 × diesel-electric; 2 × shafts | Integrated electric propulsion: 2 × Rolls-Royce Marine Trent MT30 36 MW gas turbine engines, 2 × Wärtsilä 16V38 and 2 x 12V38 marine diesel engines (40 MW), 4 × GE Power Conversion 20 MW Advanced Induction Motors |
Detailed Comparison
The Queen Elizabeth class serves as the Royal Navy's primary carrier platform, replacing the Invincible class with two units commissioned in 2017 and 2019. The Charles de Gaulle is the nuclear-powered flagship of the French Marine Nationale, commissioned in 2001 to replace the Clemenceau class. These vessels reflect divergent doctrines regarding propulsion, launch configuration, and defensive armament.
Development and Design
The Queen Elizabeth class displaces 80,600 tons, nearly double the 42,500-ton displacement of the Charles de Gaulle. The British design utilizes a Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) configuration with a flight deck ski jump, optimized for the F-35B Lightning II. It features a twin-island superstructure to separate navigation from flight control and separates radar mountings. Internal logistics rely on the Highly Mechanised Weapons Handling System to minimize crew; the vessel operates with 679 personnel compared to 1,350 on the smaller French ship.
Charles de Gaulle is a Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) carrier. It employs US-designed steam catapults and an angled deck, allowing the operation of Rafale M fighters and E-2C Hawkeye AEW aircraft. Construction faced delays due to economic factors and technical challenges, including a flight deck extension required for E-2C operations.
Weapons and Sensors
Charles de Gaulle possesses organic area air defense capabilities. Its armament includes four 8-cell Sylver launchers for Aster 15 surface-to-air missiles and two 6-cell Sadral launchers for Mistral missiles. Gun armament consists of eight 20mm F2 cannons and three Narwhal 20mm autocannons.
The Queen Elizabeth class lacks organic missile systems, relying on Type 45 destroyers and Type 23 frigates for anti-air warfare. Its self-defense suite is limited to gun systems: three Phalanx CIWS, four 30mm DS30M Mk2 guns, and various small arms for asymmetric threats.
Propulsion and Performance
The French vessel utilizes nuclear propulsion via two Areva K15 pressurised water reactors (300 MWt total). This grants effectively unlimited range, though maximum speed is limited to 27 knots. The Queen Elizabeth class employs Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP), utilizing two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines and four Wärtsilä diesel generators to power Advanced Induction Motors. While this limits range to 10,000 nautical miles, the British carrier achieves a higher speed of 32 knots.
Deployment and Combat Record
Charles de Gaulle has an extensive combat record, including operations in Afghanistan (2001), Libya (2011), and Iraq/Syria (2015-2020). During Opération Chammal, its command staff led US Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force 50.
HMS Queen Elizabeth achieved initial operational capability in 2021, conducting a deployment to the Pacific that year. The class participates in trials for Project Ark Royal, testing unmanned systems such as the Mojave UAV. HMS Prince of Wales serves as a high-readiness carrier and conducted flight trials during the lead ship's maintenance.
Conclusion
The Queen Elizabeth class prioritizes sortie rate and automation within a larger, conventionally powered STOVL hull. Charles de Gaulle offers the strategic endurance of nuclear power and the range capability of CATOBAR operations, supporting heavier airframes like the E-2C Hawkeye, but operates on a smaller displacement with a heavier reliance on crew manpower.