Built by Vickers-Armstrong, Barrow. Laid down 21 June 1944, renamed 11/1945, construction suspended following WWII. Construction resumed mid-1950's, commissioned 25 Nov 1959. Ship was built to a completely reworked design as an attack carrier; see postwar carriers list for details.
Initially operated as a light fleet carrier. Refitted 24 Feb 1964-5/1966 with 40mm removed and 2 quad Sea Cat SAM launchers fitted. Was obsolete by the late 1960's due to small size and was decommissioned to reserve 14 July 1970. Converted to a commando carrier at Devenport Dockyard 1 March 1971 to 18 Aug 1973, replacing Albion; had accommodations for 750 troops.
Converted to ASW carrier 10 May 1976 to 10 Dec 1976, then replaced in ASW role by Bulwark and converted to VSTOL (Harrier) carrier.
Had been scheduled for decommissioning, but retained for Falklands service. Decommissioned to reserve 12 April 1984, stricken for disposal 1 July 1985. Sold to India 19 April 1986, refitted prior to transfer, commissioned 12 May 1987 as INS Viraat (R22), formally recommissioned in India 15 Feb 1989. Has undergone minor armament modifications in Indian service. Will require replacement by 2005.
