‘Best of British engineering’ combines in magnificent showcase
Jaguar F-Type liveried to mimic F-35B fighter takes pride of place on HMS Queen Elizabeth to display Britain’s finest machines
The cream of British engineering is currently being displayed in spades off the east coast of the USA – with HMS Queen Elizabeth conducting trials of the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet – and now a third machine has got in on the act.
Wrapped in a livery that mimics an F-35B jet, a Jaguar F-Type has taken pride of place for a photo debut on the flight deck of the new aircraft carrier alongside the inspiration for its alternative look.
The car had been kept hidden in the hangar of the £6.2bn warship on its voyage to the USA until its runway appearance during the ‘Westlant 18’ deployment.
While British engineering is the clear focus here, there are even deeper ties between Jaguar Land Rover and HMS Queen Elizabeth. The car manufacturer played a supporting role in events for the aircraft carrier and even provided some components – including the captain’s chair.
Capt Jerry Kyd, the commanding officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth, said: “The Jaguar F-Type alongside the F-35B symbolises the very best of British design and engineering.
“Bringing the two together in HMS Queen Elizabeth, itself a triumph of collaboration between UK industry partners and the Ministry of Defence, is representative of the strong ties we as a ship have developed with Jaguar Land Rover.
“The technology involved in the aircraft carrier, F-Type and the F-35B are all linked: a high-quality demanding specification, precision engineering, power and performance. All three represent cutting-edge technology that underlines the very best of British innovation and design.”
