U.S. Navy Aircraft: Sailing the Skies

By Luis Ayala

U.S. Navy Aircraft: Sailing the Skies Volume 1: 1911 - 1945 ---------------- PRINTED IN COLOUR -------------------

The U.S. Navy has operated a lot of aircraft since the first Curtiss A-1 Triad in 1911 and it would be impossible to include each and every one in this book. So, I am focusing primarily on those that operate from ships such as aircraft carriers, seaplane tenders, and catapult-launched aircraft, as well as land-based bombers and patrol aircraft - particularly combat or combat-related aircraft. Included some training aircraft that were later used on combat missions and a few transport aircraft. No gliders, no lighter-than-air, no drones (yes they had them then) and really only aircraft that were acquired in meaningful numbers. So, you won't see many prototypes or one-off aircraft here.

I did colorize some of the photographs to really show more detail as the black and white photos sometimes obscure some key details. I include some CAD drawings to show off aircraft designs. I also provide a write up on the number of pilots and aircraft available and discuss how they were able to ramp up training as well as produce so many aircraft so quickly for the world wars. Let's face it, in 1941 many Navy and Marine Corps aircraft were already obsolete (yes, I include the Cactus Air Force in the book).

If I left out any aircraft you feel should have been included, please let me know (at USGOVPUB.com) and I will see if I can add them. Thank you for your continued support. As a Vietnam-era veteran living with two types of cancer (Prostate and Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia), I appreciate the encouragement of my little hobby.

Luis Ayala, 14 December 2025

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0G6YM6YWR
• ISBN13: 9798278754213
• Release Date: December 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 114 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.5" x 11.0"