Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is getting ready for the summer holidays with a new interactive exhibit at Action Stations, featuring the Royal Navy Aircraft Carriers of the future. First Sea Lord (Commander in Chief of the Royal Navy), Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, ceremonially opened the Queen Elizabeth Class Carrier Experience – ‘Carrier Strike’ on Monday 15th June.
‘Carrier Strike’ includes a range of simulator games, giving members of the public the opportunity to get to grips with the new Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers more than six years before they arrive at their home port of Portsmouth.
Located on the ground floor of Action Stations, ‘Carrier Strike’ includes a range of activities and fun for all ages. Visitors have already started to enjoy the 3 PC based challenges where they can take turns to try and land a virtual F-35 aircraft and helicopter on the deck of carriers and a mastermind quiz; tactile puzzles such as the 2-sided, 2D jigsaw and the 3D foam model - challenging visitors to build the carrier against the clock; touch panel information displays and ‘knowledge walls’ with videos and static displays.
’Carrier Strike’ has been created to bring to life and provide a memorable and informative experience of the largest Capital Ships to be put into service with the Royal Navy, and the technologies that make them possible.
There are over 27 large-scale interactive exhibits in Action Stations with endless opportunities to escape from pirates in the simulator ride; race up the tallest indoor climbing tower in the UK; shoot down a gunship helicopter; fly a replica Merlin helicopter, just like the one on the navy’s newest and most advanced warship HMS Daring, equipped with realistic controls and buttons, or simply enjoy the vast array of displays and interactive science and technology gallery.
For those wannabe James Bonds there is also ‘Command Approved’, a 25-minute film providing a window on the navy in action. It packs the punch of a James Bond film, but is the real world, not spy fiction. This is the navy facing real threats and dealing with them as they would on the high seas.
And what’s more, the interactive exhibits, facilities and games can be enjoyed all year at no extra cost by purchasing an all-inclusive gift aid ticket!
Photo Credit: First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band - credit to Sean Hounsell
