Aircraft carrier

Aircraft carrier is a type of warship that serves as a seagoing airbase, equipped with a full-length flight deck and facilities for carrying, arming, deploying, and recovering aircraft. Unlike other warships, an aircraft carrier's primary offensive capability is provided by the aircraft it carries.

History

The first true aircraft carrier was the HMS Argus, commissioned in 1918. The concept of an aircraft carrier was further developed and refined during World War II, with the United States Navy's Essex-class and Japanese Shōkaku-class carriers being prime examples.

Design and structure

Aircraft carriers are often the largest ships in a navy's fleet. They are designed to sustain a large air wing with the necessary parts, supplies, and services. The onboard storage and production of aviation fuel, ammunition, aircraft spare parts, and other supplies are critical to the operation of the air wing.

Operations

Aircraft carriers are generally accompanied by a number of other ships, to provide protection for the relatively vulnerable carrier, to carry supplies, and to provide additional offensive capabilities. This is often termed a carrier battle group.

Modern aircraft carriers

Modern aircraft carriers are a key part of a naval fleet's ability to project power globally. The United States Navy operates the largest fleet of aircraft carriers in the world, with eleven in service.

See also

• List of aircraft carriers
• List of aircraft carriers by country
• List of aircraft carrier classes of the United States Navy
• Carrier-based aircraft
• Naval aviation

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