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• A comprehensive A to Z directory of all the major naval aircraft, with informative, expert text and over 670 colour and black-and-white photographs illustrating each type



• Examines the complete history and evolution of naval aircraft, from the first flights from ships in 1910 and the rise of naval air power during World War II, through to 21st-century carrier operations, with special reference to the Doolittle Raid, Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Midway, aircraft-carrying submarines, Korea, Vietnam, the Falkland Islands, Iraq, and aircraft of the future



• Includes the best-known World War planes such as the Fairey Swordfish, Heinkel He 115 and Supermarine Spitfire, ultra-modern jets such as the Dassault Super Etendard, Grumman F-14 Tomcat and MiG-29K, and naval helicopters such as the Kaman Seasprite, Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly and Westland Whirlwind



• Specification boxes provide at-a-glance information about each aircraft's name, country of origin, first flight, power, armament, size, weight and performance



• Includes fascinating quotes from military leaders, plus a glossary explaining key aviation terms and abbreviations

Even in the earliest days of aviation, when the aeroplane was considered by many to be a curiosity, some military strategists appreciated the potential of air power at sea. As soon as the aircraft proved itself as an effective weapon, there were military leaders and innovators who considered solutions to the many challenges of aircraft operations over water and most importantly from ships. Early naval aircraft were modifications, sometimes ill-conceived and ill-advised, of land-based aircraft, but by World War II, carrier-based aircraft were being specially designed for this specialized role.

This fully illustrated reference book charts the complete history of naval aviation, from the pioneering days when biplanes were catapulted from converted destroyers through to the high-performance jets patrolling the world's seas today.

In addition to the comprehensive A to Z listing of naval aircraft, the book also focuses on significant technological advances, including carrier evolution, aircraft technology and weaponry, as well as operations in which naval aviation have played significant part, for example, Pearl Harbor, Korea and Vietnam.

More than 130 aircraft, from biplanes and high-performance jet fighters to helicopters, are examined, with expert commentary complemented by high-quality photography. Each aircraft is listed alphabetically by manufacturer, and its description and history is accompanied by a specification box containing information about country of origin, first flight, power, armament, size, weight and performance. A glossary containing definitions of key aviation terms is included at the back of the book.

With its accurate information and 670 magnificent photographs, this superb and unique book provides historians and enthusiasts with key information about naval aviation and the role it has played throughout the past century.

About the Authors

Francis Crosby - Author

Francis Crosby has had a deep interest in aviation since an early age. After qualifying and working as an archaeologist, in 1985 he joined the Imperial War Museum¹s branch at Duxford, England, acknowledged as one of the world¹s leading centres for aviation enthusiasts. Having held research and exhibition posts at the museum, he then led Duxford¹s Marketing Department for many years, and he is now a marketing consultant specializing in museums and heritage attractions. He has written extensively on historic aviation and has acted as a consultant for the media and the publishing industry. Francis Crosby's published works include: Fighter Aircraft; Bombers (both Lorenz Books); Images of War: D-Day; and Images of War: The Luftwaffe in World War II (both Pen and Sword).