5 biggest aircraft carriers in the world [2024]

Aircraft carriers have long been the backbone of naval power projection, serving as floating airbases capable of projecting force across vast expanses of the ocean. Among these colossal vessels, a select few stand out as the largest in terms of full-load displacement. In this article, we delve into the impressive capabilities of the 5 biggest aircraft carriers in the world in 2024, ranked by their sheer size and weight.

List of the 5 biggest aircraft carriers in the world

The 5 biggest aircraft carriers in the world by displacement in 2024 are  Gerald R. Ford Class , Nimitz Class, CNS Fujian, Queen Elizabeth Class , and Kuznetsov Class.

Gerald R. Ford Class, the biggest aircraft carrier in the world

First, we need to know how many aircraft carriers the US has. Currently, it has 11 aircraft carriers in operation.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, commissioned in 2017, holds the distinction of being the biggest aircraft carrier in the world. It is also the largest warship in the world. With a full-load displacement of over 100,000 tons, this Nimitz-class successor incorporates cutting-edge technology, including electromagnetic catapults and advanced arresting gear, enhancing its operational efficiency and aircraft launch capabilities.

 Gerald R. Ford Class is named after the 38th president of the United States, Gerald R. Ford. In World War II, Ford served as a lieutenant commander in the US Navy.

Key Features

Type: Aircraft Carrier
Length: 1092 ft (333m)
Displacement: About 100,000 tonnes ( full load)
Speed: 30 knots ( 56km/h)
Service life: 50 years
Crew: About 2600
Aircraft carried: 75+
Aviation facility: 1,092 ft × 252 ft (333 m × 77 m) flight deck

Nimitz Class 

The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers have long been the epitome of naval power, with ten carriers in the class dominating the seas for decades. Each Nimitz-class carrier, such as the USS Nimitz and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, boasts a full-load displacement of approximately 100,000 tons. These carriers have been pivotal in projecting U.S. military strength globally, serving as mobile bases for a vast array of aircraft.

Nimitz Class aircraft carriers get their name from Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, a famous commander of the Pacific fleet during World War II.

Key Features

Type: Aircraft Carrier
Length: 1092 ft (333m)
Displacement: 100,000-106,300 tonnes ( full load)
Speed: 30+ knots ( 56km/h)
Service life: 50 years
Crew: 5000-5200
Aircraft carried: 85-90 fixed wings and helicopters
Aviation facility: 4.5-acre flight deck

CNS Fujian (Type 003)

As China continues to assert itself as a maritime power, the CNS Fujian, a Type 003 aircraft carrier, has become a symbol of its naval ambitions. With a full-load displacement exceeding 80,000 tons, the CNS Fujian represents China’s commitment to modernizing its naval capabilities. This carrier, equipped with advanced technology and a significant air wing, enhances China’s ability to safeguard its interests in the contested South China Sea.

China decided to name its latest aircraft carrier after Fujian, a province right across a narrow strait from Taiwan.

Key Features

Type: Aircraft Carrier
Length: 984.3 ft (300.01m)
Displacement: 80,000 tonnes ( full load)
Speed: 28+ knots ( 51.9 km/h)
Crew: around 3000
Aircraft carried: 35+
Aviation facility: Flight deck width 76m

Queen Elizabeth Class

The Queen Elizabeth Class carriers, including the HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, are the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy. With a full-load displacement of around 65,000 tons, these carriers signify the United Kingdom’s renewed commitment to maritime power projection. Their design accommodates the potent F-35B Lightning II aircraft, providing the Royal Navy with a formidable strike capability.

The Queen Elizabeth Class got its name to honor Elizabeth I.

Key Features

Type: Aircraft Supercarrier
Length: 932 ft (284 m)
Displacement: 65,000 tonnes
Speed: 25+ knots ( 46 km/h)
Crew: around 700
Aircraft carried: 65+
Aviation facility: 280m long and 70m width

Kuznetsov Class, Russia’s biggest aircraft carrier

Hailing from Russia, the Kuznetsov-class aircraft carriers complete our list of the world’s largest carriers. With a full-load displacement of approximately 59,100 tons, these carriers play a crucial role in Russia’s naval strategy. Despite experiencing technical challenges, including propulsion issues, the Kuznetsov Class remains a key asset in projecting Russian power beyond its shores.

Since October 1990, the warship has been named the Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov to honor Nikolai Kuznetsov, who led the Soviet Navy in 1939-1947 and in 1951-1955.

Key Features

Type: Aircraft carrier
Length: 1000 ft 8 inch (305 m)
Displacement: 59,100 tonnes ( full load)
Speed: 29 knots ( 54 km/h)
Crew: 1,960 men, including 518 officers and 210 ensigns
Aircraft carried: 24
Aviation facility: 14,700 square metres

Summary of the 5 biggest aircraft carriers in the world

The 5 biggest aircraft carriers in the world by displacement in 2024 are 

1. Gerald R. Ford Class ( 100,000t)
2. Nimitz Class (100,000t)
3. CNS Fujian (80,000t0
4. Queen Elizabeth Class (65,000t)
5. Kuznetsov Class (58,600t)

As we navigate the vast seas of naval power, these five biggest aircraft carriers stand as behemoths, showcasing the technological prowess and strategic importance of naval forces worldwide. Having such powerful aircraft carriers put the US at the top of the list of the most powerful navies in the world in 2024. Whether it’s the USS Gerald R. Ford pushing the boundaries of innovation or the time-tested Nimitz-class carriers maintaining global stability, each vessel plays a pivotal role in shaping the geopolitical landscape. With emerging players like China and the enduring naval strength of Russia and the United Kingdom, the world’s biggest aircraft carriers continue to be symbols of military might and strategic influence on the high seas.

Source

1. “Key Facts about Russia’s Heavy Aircraft-Carrying Cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov.” Tass.Com, Accessed 14 Nov. 2023.
2. Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program”. Congressional Research Service. Accessed 14 Nov. 2023.