Inventor: US Navy

• Developed by the United States
• Allows for specialized airplanes to launch from its deck

On May 22, 1922 the U.S. Navy’s first aircraft carrier, the USS Langley, was placed into commission. It had been converted from an earlier model ship, adding a huge, flat platform on top of the ship to serve as a runway. The Navy had been experimenting for some years with mobilized platform takeoffs, but this was the first time they had focused on the idea of a ship that carried aircraft. The Langley reported for duty two years later, ushering in a new era of naval battle.

Aircraft carriers would prove to be useful for many different objectives. At first they were used for protecting the fleet against other airplanes, as well as in a limited role of attacking other ships. They were first used on the offensive during WWII, when bombers were launched towards Japanese installations and proved to be effective. Aircraft carriers would shape the face of warfare for years to come, allowing for close deployment of fighters and bombers to enemy regions.

Picture from Encarta Encyclopedia

SOURCES:

Bellis, M. (2003). Inventors from About.com. Available March 27, 2003, from About, Inc. <http://inventors.about.com/>

• This site gives a good history about the first aircraft carrier used by the US.