HMS Ark Royal (R09) Audacious-Class 36 Inches Aircraft Carrier Model

The HMS Ark Royal (R09), an Audacious-Class launched in 1950, was the fourth Royal Navy ship to carry the name and served with distinction during the Cold War as a key aircraft carrier until her decommissioning in 1979. This 36-inch HMS Ark Royal (R09), model is handcrafted from premium Canadian red cedar, Teak, and Mahogany,... using the plank-on-frame method. It takes 3 to 6 months to build, with every detail reflecting careful craftsmanship. Every model we create is handcrafted with care and precision — and it’s not finished until you’re completely satisfied. Throughout the build, we’ll keep you informed with detailed photo updates at each key stage: - Hull construction - Deck detailing and structural elements - Final painting and finishing touches Once approved, your model will be safely packed in a custom wooden crate with protective cushioning, ensuring secure delivery to any destination worldwide. Ready to bring your dream ship to life? Contact us today to start your custom build or explore more at: Custom-made Projects HMS Ark Royal (R09) was the fourth aircraft carrier of the Royal Navy to bear the name and the last of the Audacious-class carriers. Launched in 1950 and commissioned in 1955, she served during the Cold War era as Britain’s flagship carrier, providing a platform for fixed-wing naval aviation. Originally designed for propeller-driven aircraft, HMS Ark Royal (R09) was heavily modified to operate jet aircraft, including the Blackburn Buccaneer and Phantom fighters. She featured an angled flight deck, steam catapults, and advanced arrestor gear, making her one of the most capable carriers in the Royal Navy at the time. Ark Royal (R09) participated in NATO exercises, power projection missions, and Cold War deterrence patrols. Due to rising maintenance costs and defense cuts, HMS Ark Royal (R09) was decommissioned in 1979. Her retirement marked the end of an era for conventional British aircraft carriers and paved the way for a shift toward smaller, helicopter-based vessels in the following decades.