HMS Illustrious has begun sea trials following the completion of a £40m maintenance and upgrade programme lasting 16 months.
She is seen here leaving Rosyth to start her second set of sea trials on the 18 June 24 hours later than planned.
She underwent modifications to turn her into a helicopter and commando carrier, capable of carrying a force of up to 20 helicopters and 600 fully kitted-out personnel.
During which time 540,000 litres of paint were used on the ship, including a fuel-efficient outer hull coating that will save tonnes of fuel and CO2 emissions over her remaining life.
Having already completed one week of initial sea safety training and preliminary sea trials (See HERE for her previous departure from Rosyth), the Portsmouth-based ship will now undergo a further five weeks of sea trials before returning to the fleet at the end of July 2011.
HMS Illustrious will then assume a helicopter and commando carrier role while HMS Ocean undergoes a planned refit, which is due for completion by 2014.
HMS Illustrious is due to retire from service in 2014.
She is seen here approaching the Forth Road Bridge
This is probably the last picture of an Invincible Class Aircraft Carrier sailing under the Forth Bridge
Good luck with the trials guys