Cruisers And Battle Cruisers: An Illustrated History Of Their Impact (weapons And Warfare Series)

Cruisers and Battle Cruisers: An Illustrated History of Their Impact КНИГИ ;ВОЕННАЯ ИСТОРИЯ Издательство: ABC-CLIOСерия: Weapons & WarfareАвтор(ы): Eric W. OsborneЯзык: EnglishГод издания: 2004Количество страниц: 300ISBN: 1-85109-370-2Формат: pdf (e-book)Размер: 1.72 mb RapidIfolder 68 Fast cruisers, the eyes of the fleet, were the standard-bearers of empire, the ultimate warships of gunboat diplomacy—no other vessel class was so well equipped to serve as both a working war machine and a projection of national might.Cruisers and Battle Cruisers explores the pivotal importance of cruiser-class ships to naval warfare and, in a wider scope, world politics. In vivid but accessible detail, it describes the milestones of cruiser design and deployment from mid-19th century development of steam-propelled, ironclads to the World War I introduction of battle cruisers; from the decisive naval engagements of World War II and the addition of missiles and computerized systems to the most recent developments.Readers will see how specific technological changes progressively increased the destructive power of cruisers and altered their combat roles, how design innovations altered the quality of life aboard ship, and how cruisers came to be called upon to serve a variety of noncombat roles in war and peace. "They searched the seas for enemy ships, guarded fleets against torpedoes, fought in the line of fire, and deployed missiles. Today they are one of the most powerful surface combatants at sea, second only to aircraft carriers. Cruisers and Battle Cruisers is the first work ever to combine the history and technical specifications of these mighty warships in a single source, observing their roles during war and peace, and bringing to light the hardships and hazards of shipboard life." "Through a survey of technological changes that progressively increased their destructive power and altered their combat roles, this work explores the importance of cruisers of naval warfare and world politics from the age of sail to the present. From paddle wheels and steam propulsion to torpedoes and nuclear weapons, high school and college students will appreciate the role of the cruiser at war, at peace, and as a diplomatic tool."--BOOK JACKET This is an exploration of the technological evolution and social history of cruisers, describing their many uses in war and peace. The book covers the most significant cruiser and battle cruiser designs, providing details such as hull dimensions, armour, armament and means of propulsion Eric W. Osborne. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 255-269) And Index.