Warships :: essays research papers

Warships   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The history of warships goes back in history to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Their ships were called galleys. The galleys were powered by oarsmen. The galley had a sharp point in the front for ramming other ships. In the A. D. 700's, the Vikings invented the long ship. It weighed less than the galley and was stronger and more seaworthy. The Viking's controlled the seas until the 1000's. By the 1500's most warships carried guns, and later became heavily armed ships.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Aircraft carriers are the largest and most powerful warships. It has a large flight deck that enables planes to take off and land on the runway. They have radars that detect incoming planes and any missiles. The aircraft carrier is about 1000 ft. long and can carry 85 to 95 planes. They can also reach speeds of 30 knots.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Amphibious warships land troops, weapons, and vehicles on the beach. They don't have launching or landing equipment. These ships can carry 20 to 30 helicopters as well as troops and vehicles. Amphibious warships are about 800 ft. long and can travel about 20 knots.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cruisers escort carriers and defend them from air and submarine attacks. Modern cruisers are called guided missile cruisers. They carry supersonic missiles that can be fired at planes from 15 to 85 miles away. Cruisers are about 600 ft. long and travel at speeds of more than 30 knots.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Destroyers are mostly used to defend aircraft carriers, amphibious warships, and merchant ships. They are used for attacking enemy shores and planning out search and rescue operations. Destroyers carry one or two helicopters to attack submarines. Destroyers range in length of 375 to 560 ft. They can also reach speeds of 30 to 33 knots.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Frigates are mostly used to defend amphibious ships and merchant ships against enemy submarines.