Carrier-based aircraft

Such aircraft are designed for many purposes including air-to-air combat, surface attack, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), search and rescue (SAR), transport (COD), weather observation, reconnaissance and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) duties.

This evolution was well underway by the early 1920s, resulting in ships such as HMS Argus (1918), Hōshō (1922), USS Langley (1922), and Béarn (1927).

With these developments, the need for specialized aircraft adapted for take-offs and landings from the flight decks of those ships became recognized.

[citation needed] The significance of air power grew between the wars, driven by the increased range, carrying power, and effectiveness of carrier-launched aircraft, until it became impossible to disregard its importance during World War II, following the loss of many warships to aircraft, including the sinking of Prince of Wales and Repulse, the Battle of Taranto, the Attack on Pearl Harbor and numerous other incidents.

[7] Douglas A-4 Skyhawks participated in the first strikes of the Vietnam War in response to attacks against American destroyers in the Tonkin Gulf in August 1964.

The A-4's small size and light weight meant a high number could be loaded onto carriers, making them an important resource during the Vietnam war.

STOVL use usually allows aircraft to carry a larger payload as compared to during VTOL use, while avoiding the complexity of a catapult.

The best known example is the Hawker Siddeley Harrier Jump Jet,[9] despite being capable of VTOL take-offs, is usually operated as a STOVL aircraft to increase its fuel and weapons load.