The British aircraft carrier HMS Invincible is due to complete her 16-month refit in January of next year. This refit, limited in scope by the budget, will replace the starboard gearbox main wheel and provide facilities for operating new Merlin HM1 helicopters. The ship will then be kept in service until 2010. HMS Illustrious will enter an 18-month refit late this year. HMS Ark Royal completed her refit earlier and will remain in service until 2015, when she will be replaced by the second of the two new carriers planned.--Stephen V Cole