Everything Everywhere Daily
Aircraft Carriers (Encore)
May 17, 2025
Discover the fascinating history behind aircraft carriers, starting from their humble beginnings before airplanes existed. Explore their evolution through the 20th century, highlighting innovations that transformed naval warfare. Delve into the complexity of modern aircraft carriers and their operational prowess, illustrated through personal accounts. Finally, engage in the debate over their future relevance in a changing military landscape, raising questions about dominance versus vulnerability in today’s warfare.
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Quick takeaways
- The evolution of aircraft carriers began with balloon carriers in the 19th century, revolutionizing naval warfare through aerial reconnaissance.
- Despite their historical dominance and advancements, the future of aircraft carriers is uncertain due to emerging threats from missile technology.
Deep dives
The Humble Origins of Aircraft Carriers
The origins of aircraft carriers can be traced back to the 19th century with the introduction of balloon carriers. These ships launched balloons used primarily for observation, allowing fleets to gain a strategic advantage over their enemies. The first balloon carrier, the SMS Volcano, launched in 1849, marked the beginning of a new era in naval warfare by integrating aerial reconnaissance. This concept evolved into seaplane tenders, with the first known example being the French ship La Foudre, paving the way for the development of 'true' aircraft carriers in the early 20th century.
