I was reading an article about HMS Lustrious' recent problems with repairs and noted in the article that is mentions that Lusty is due to be in service until 2012, and that HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales are due in 2014 and 2016.

What is happening with the other carriers, will we have a capability gap until the new carriers are delivered??

Yes, and we already do.

We did have three "through-deck cruisers", "jeep carriers" or whatever you want to call them, light aircraft carriers.  Then we complemented them with HMS Ocean, the LPH.  Then we got rid of HMS Invincible (she will never enter service again), and then we converted HMS Ark Royal to the role of LPH, with no fast jets.  Leaving HMS Illustrious as our only carrier operating Joint Force Harrier aircraft, while these are only strike type GR.9's, with the air-superiority capable FA2's removed from service.  Already we are unable to operate against any opposition who can mount an air threat, with only GR.9 and Type 42's.

thats okay... some people ignore air threats and don't think they have any real potential....   :-)