![]() ![]() ![]() Concentrating six carriers in a single unit turned naval history about, as no other nation had fielded anything comparable. The 1941 Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor was a clear illustration of the power projection capability afforded by a large force of modern carriers. In the Pacific Ocean clashes occurred between aircraft carrier fleets. This operation incapacitated three of the six battleships at a cost of two torpedo bombers. The versatility of the carrier was demonstrated in November 1940 when HMS Illustrious launched a long-range strike on the Italian fleet at their base in Taranto, signalling the beginning of effective and highly mobile aircraft strikes. They had higher range and precision than naval guns, making them highly effective. The advent of aircraft as primary weapons was driven by the superior range, flexibility and effectiveness of carrier-launched aircraft. The aircraft carrier dramatically changed naval combat in the war, as air power became a significant factor in warfare. Catapult aircraft merchant ships, were cargo-carrying merchant ships that could launch (but not retrieve) a single fighter aircraft from a catapult to defend the convoy from long-range German aircraft. ![]() Most of the latter were built from mercantile hulls or, in the case of merchant aircraft carriers, were bulk cargo ships with a flight deck added on top. Light aircraft carriers were fast enough to operate with the fleet but smaller and with fewer aircraft.Įscort carriers were smaller and slower, with low numbers of aircraft, and provided defense for convoys. ![]() Fleet carriers were the largest type, operating with the main fleet to provide offensive capability. By the Second World War aircraft carriers had evolved from converted cruisers, to purpose built vessels of many classes and roles. Aircraft carriers are expensive and are considered critical assets. Typically, they are the capital ships of a fleet, as they project air power worldwide without depending on local bases for operational support. This is a list of aircraft carriers of the Second World War.Īircraft carriers of World War II by countryĪircraft carriers serve as a seagoing airbases, equipped with a flight deck and facilities for carrying, arming, deploying and recovering aircraft. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |