THE WORLD'S STRIKE AIRCRAFT

The term 'strike aircraft' is one of comparatively recent origin, though many aircraft which would certainly answer to this description were quite extensively used in the First World War. Generally speaking, it refers to any aeroplane designed to operate against specialized targets, such as surface vessels, submarines, armoured vehicles and fortifications, in low-level attacks or dives.   

Armed with bombs, guns, rockets, torpedoes and many new types of weapon, these aircraft range from the class generally known as fighter bombers, to dive-bombers, torpedo-carriers and machines largely protected by armour plate, to newly developed types which streak in to attack almost at ground level, and below the cover afforded by warning radar.

The photograph on the jacket shows two LTV A-7A Corsair II carrier-based attack-bombers of the US Navy.