Carrier-based aircraft
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A carrier-based aircraft is a naval aircraft designed for operations from aircraft carriers. Carrier-based aircraft must be able to launch in a short distance and be sturdy enough to withstand the abrupt forces of launching from and recovering on a pitching deck. In addition, their wings are generally able to fold up, easing operations in tight quarters.
An F/A-18C Hornet launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk
A Royal Navy Fairey Swordfish taking-off from HMS Tracker, 1943
An F-35B utilizes a ski-jump to become airborne off the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth
The E-2 Hawkeye is one of the larger air frames on a carrier
Naval aviation
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Naval aviation is the application of military air power by navies, whether from warships that embark aircraft, or land bases.
Mayfly was built in 1908 and was the first aircraft to be used in a naval capacity.
Lieutenant Charles Samson's historic takeoff from Hibernia in 1912.
Japanese Maurice Farman seaplane from Wakamiya