Illustrated Guide to Naval Aircraft of World Wars I and Ii

The drama, danger and innovation of aerial attacks and battles give early 20th-century naval aviation a special significance. Naval aircraft - planes that are able to launch from and land on ships - have played an ever-increasing role in wartime conflicts. Early naval aircraft were modifications of land-based aircraft, and the first true aircraft carriers entered service with the Royal Navy towards the end of World War I. Soon thereafter, carrier-based aircraft began being designed specifically for this role, and by the end of World War II carriers had evolved into mighty warships that were capable of projecting a nation’s power more ably than the large battleships that had previously ruled the waves. This fully illustrated reference book charts the early history of naval aviation, from the pioneering days when biplanes were catapulted from converted destroyers through to the war-winning ‘ace-making’ aircraft of World War II. It focuses on the main wartime theatres in which naval aviation played a significant part, for example Pearl Harbor, the Doolittle Raid and the Battle of Midway. An A-Z directory of over 70 aircraft describes the main characteristics of each plane, with expert commentary and high-quality photography. Each aircraft is listed alphabetically by manufacturer, and its description and history are accompanied by a specification box containing details about its country of origin, first flight, power, armament, size, weight and performance. A useful glossary containing definitions of key aviation terms is included at the back of the book. With its accurate information and 330 lively photographs, this volume provides historians and enthusiasts with a fascinating portrayal of the naval aircraft of this significant period in history.