Osprey New Vanguard 114 : US Navy Aircraft Carriers 1922-1945 : Prewar Classes

The first American aircraft carrier, the USS Langley, entered service in 1922. Despite being converted into an aircraft tender, it was the first step in a new direction for the US Navy and naval warfare. This book covers the design, development and operation of USN aircraft carriers built prior to World War II, including their aircraft and weaponry. It also explains their various successes and losses such as the first carrier vs. carrier battle at Midway; the battle of the Coral Sea; the battle of the Philippine Sea; and the Operation Torch landings. Text by Mark Stille with illustrations by Tony Bryan.

Contents

• Introduction
• Design and Development of the US Carrier
• Classes of Carrier
  Including Individual Names and Their Background
  Specific Design and Construction
  Wartime Modifications
  Operational History
  Evaluation
  Principal Armament
  Radar System, and
  Aircraft
• Bibliography
• Color Plate Commentary
• Index