Naval aircraft ? aircraft that are able to launch from and land on ships ? have played an ever-increasing role in conflict. By the end of World War II, the aircraft carrier had become a mighty warship with the potential to project a nation's power more flexibly than the large battleships that once ruled the waves, and naval aircraft began to be designed specifically for carrier operations. Significant technological developments included Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft, jet-powered aircraft, naval strike aircraft, Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing (V/STOL) aircraft, and naval helicopters. This fully illustrated reference book charts the history of naval aviation from the end of World War II to the present day, focusing on the conflicts in which naval aviation played a significant part, for example Korea, Vietnam, the Falklands War and Libya. It also discusses 21st-century developments and improvements. An A?Z directory of 55 aircraft describes the main characteristics of each plane, with expert commentary and high-quality photography. Each aircraft is listed alphabetically by manufacturer, and its description and history are accompanied by a specification box containing information about its country of origin, first flight, power, armament, size, weight and performance. A useful glossary containing definitions of key aviation terms is included at the back of the book. With its lively narrative and 330 photographs, this authoritative volume provides historians and enthusiasts with key information about the naval aircraft of this critical period in history.