HMS Queen Elizabeth sets sail from Portsmouth for US visit

• Watch the full report by Richard Jones on the preparations below

The Royal Navy's new £3 billion aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has set sail from her home port of Portsmouth for the US where fighter jets will land on its flight deck for the very first time.

It has been eight years since a British aircraft carrier last flew a fast jet from her decks.

The 65 thousand tonne carrier is expected to leave Portsmouth Naval Base at around 18:00 BST.

During the carrier's trip it will embark two US F-35B test aircraft, based in Maryland.

They are expected to carry out 500 landings and take-offs during the carrier's 11 weeks at sea.

HMS Queen Elizabeth will also carry out tests in UK waters before heading across the Atlantic.

Interviewees: Capt Jerry Kyd - CO, HMS Queen ElizabethCdre Andrew Betton - CO, UK Carrier Strike GroupCmdr James Blackmore - Commander Air, HMS Queen Elizabeth