The Birth of the Aircraft Carrier
The idea of launching aeroplanes from ships emerged during World War I, but it was during World War II that aircraft carriers truly proved their worth. The Battle of Midway in 1942 was the first major naval battle where the opposing fleets never came within sight of each other; all the fighting was done by aircraft launched from carriers. This single battle demonstrated that the era of the battleship was over and the era of the aircraft carrier had begun. The famous USS Missouri, while a battleship, hosted the Japanese surrender ceremony that ended the war that carriers helped win.
How Aircraft Carriers Work
A modern nuclear-powered aircraft carrier like the USS Gerald R. Ford is a floating city. At over 330 metres long, it carries around 75 aircraft, including fighter jets, electronic warfare planes, helicopters, and unmanned drones. Aircraft are launched using steam or electromagnetic catapults that accelerate them from zero to flying speed in just two seconds, and they land by catching a steel cable stretched across the deck with a hook on the aircraft's tail. Below the flight deck, the ship contains workshops, hospitals, kitchens that serve 18,000 meals a day, a post office, a television studio, and even a barbershop. The nuclear reactors can power the ship for over 20 years without refuelling.
Where Aviation Meets Maritime History
Aircraft carriers sit at the fascinating intersection of aviation and maritime history, which is exactly the territory that 2410 Games explores. The Aviation Snakes & Ladders game teaches children about the world of flight, while the Maritime Domino Game brings naval history to life. Together, they give children a rich understanding of how air power and sea power have shaped the modern world. Explore our complete ship guides to discover more amazing vessels.