Aircraft carriers are a class of warships that played a decisive role in the naval battles of World War II. It was the aircraft carriers that became the real masters of the oceans, completely changing both the tactics and strategy of the fleet's combat operations. They took the palm from the battleships, which were previously considered the main striking force, but turned out to be helpless in the face of massive attacks by carrier-based aircraft... Illustrated encyclopedia. A description of all aircraft carriers participating in World War 2 is given. History of creation and combat use. The publication is equipped with diagrams and unique photographs.