Aircraft on HMS Furious

1917

Captured here in a moment of tense precision, a Sopwith Pup fighter plane touches down on the deck of HMS Furious, one of the world’s earliest aircraft carriers. This photo from 1917, during World War I, marks a pivotal step in the evolution of naval aviation.

The ship’s crew, poised and ready to assist, reflect both the danger and novelty of early carrier landings. There were no arrestor wires, no advanced navigation aids—just bravery, wind calculation, and raw skill. HMS Furious was a pioneer, initially designed as a battlecruiser and later converted to launch and recover aircraft, making her a crucial platform for aviation innovation.

This image captures the daring spirit of early naval aviators, who helped reshape the future of warfare from sea to sky.

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