From the first fragile aircraft launched from ships to the modern carrier strike group, The Carrier Air War: Decks, Catapults, Arrestor Wires, and Combat at Sea tells the story of how the aircraft carrier changed naval warfare. Clear, factual, and written in plain English, this book follows the rise of the floating airfield through early experiments, the Pacific battles of the Second World War, the jet age, Korea, Vietnam, the Falklands, the Gulf War, modern carrier strike groups, and the new carrier ambitions of China, India, Britain, France, and other naval powers.
This is a history of ships, aircraft, technology, strategy, and people. It explains catapults, arrestor wires, angled decks, flight deck crews, escort carriers, supercarriers, Harriers, airborne early warning, anti-submarine warfare, missiles, drones, and the continuing debate over whether the aircraft carrier is a vulnerable giant or an indispensable tool of sea power. Designed for general readers, aviation enthusiasts, military-history readers, naval-history readers, and students, this book presents the aircraft carrier not as a myth, but as one of the most complex and consequential military systems ever built.
Disclaimer: This is an independent historical and educational work. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or authorised by any navy, defence ministry, aircraft manufacturer, shipbuilder, military organisation, trademark owner, or government agency. Names of aircraft, ships, manufacturers, military services, weapons, conflicts, and historical programmes are used only for factual identification and commentary. All trademarks and registered trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. This book does not contain classified information, operational instructions, technical manuals, or guidance for the use, maintenance, or construction of military equipment.
