F-18C Hornet in Royal Navy markings.
Instead of building the new Queen Elizabeth carriers it was decided that it would be cheaper to purchase one o f the Nimitz class carriers from the States with a side order of F-18C Hornets. An old squadron of the Fleet Air Arm was recommissioned to fly from the carrier. The squadron chosen was 800 Naval Air Squadron that had served aboard HMS Eagle.
This gave the Royal Navy a much bigger strike capability than the old ski jump carriers could offer.
