This is a fully illustrated examination of the changes that have overtaken the world"s naval aircrafts from the end of World War II to the present day, including the coming of jet fighters and nuclear-powered carriers, the arrival of the missile in air combat, the success of the "jump jet" from "Flying Bedstead" to Sea Harrier and the use of new devices such as the steam catapult, the angled flight deck, the mirror landing aid and the ejector seat. John Winton is a novelist and historian specializing in stories of the sea. His previous books include "Air Power at Sea 1939-1945".