US Cold War Aircraft Carriers - Forrestal, Kitty Hawk and Enterprise Classes

The Forrestal class (Forrestal, Saratoga, Ranger, and Independence) was the first completed class of US Navy supercarriers, so-named for their 25 percent size increase over the World War II-era carriers such as the Midway class, and the strength of their air wings (80-100 aircraft, compared to 65-75 for the Midway, and fewer than 50 for the Essex class). Design-wise, the Forrestals were a huge improvement over their predecessors, being more stable and comfortable, while maintaining advancements such as the armored flight decks that had been introduced with the Midway. The Kitty Hawk class was an improvement on the Forrestal-class designs, and four were built in the 1960s - Kitty Hawk, Constellation, America and John F. Kennedy. These were even longer than the Forrestals, and fitted with advanced defensive weapons systems and an improved elevator layout. All nine of the carriers covered by this volume are icons, and hold a much-respected place in US naval history. They are also some of the more well-known vessels outside of the military, for their long service histories, as well as for some of the more unfortunate events that seem to follow them.>

About the author

Brad Elward is an aviation journalist and author, having had work published in such periodicals as ‘World Air Power Journal’. He has written more than ten books on military aviation, including several for Osprey.Paul Wright has painted ships of all kinds for most of his career, specializing in steel and steam warships from the late 19th century to the present day. Paul’s art has illustrated the works of Patrick O’Brian, Dudley Pope and C.S. Forester amongst others, and hangs in many corporate and private collections all over the world. A Member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists, Paul lives and works in Surrey.

Product details

• Authors: Brad Elward, Elward Brad
• Assisted by: Mr Paul Wright (Illustration), Paul Wright (Illustration)
• Publisher: Osprey Publishers
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 20.03.2014
• EAN: 9781782003809
• ISBN: 978-1-78200-380-9
• No. of pages: 48
• Dimensions: 185 mm x 250 mm x 7 mm
• Series: New vanguard series; New Vanguard; New Vanguard; New vanguard series
• Subjects: Non-fiction book; Military history: post WW2 conflicts, HISTORY / Military / United States, HISTORY / Military / Weapons, Naval forces & warfare, Military vehicles, Warfare & defence, Modern warfare, Naval forces and warfare, Military history: post-WW2 conflicts, Specific wars and campaigns, Military & Naval Ships