Submarine Aircraft Carrier

Submarine Aircraft Carrier

Submarine aircraft carriers are submarines equipped with fixed wing aircraft for observation or attack missions. These submarines saw their most extensive use during World War II, although their operational significance remained rather small. The most famous of them were the Japanese I-400 class submarine and the French submarine Surcouf, although a few similar craft were built by other nations' navies as well.

The submarine aircraft carriers which were actually built, with the exception of the I-400 and AM classes, all used their aircraft in supporting roles, usually for reconnaissance. This is in contrast to the typical surface aircraft carrier, whose main function is serving as a base for combat aircraft.