On this day 20 June 1981
Published: 20 Jun 2014
On this day 20 June 1981 HMS Ark Royal, third Invincible class carrier launched
HMS Ark Royal (R07) was laid by Swan Hunter at Wallsend on 7 December 1978. She was launched on 20 June 1981 sponsored by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and commissioned on 1 November 1985.
The ship was going to be called HMS Indomitable in line with her sister ships, Invincible and Illustrious, but following the scrapping of the previous Ark Royal she was given the name HMS Ark Royal.
Launch and construction images courtesy Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.