He was killed in aerial combat with American carrier fighters on June 19, 1944 during the Battle of the Philippine Sea.

Although designed as a carrier fighter, initial operation from carrier decks proved to be troublesome.

Advantages of a tandem-winged carrier fighter would include: small size, manoeuvrability, excellent visibility, reduced weight and reduced drag.

"Don't start congratulating each other yet-I've got two more carrier fighters airborne," McLanahan said.

The Navy has about 450 of the F-14's, which is its prime carrier fighter.

He began his career as a naval aviator in 1950, serving in several carrier fighter and attack squadrons.

Grumman's next (and last) carrier fighter would be the F-14 Tomcat, ordered in 1968.

In December 1931, this engine was approved and adopted by the Navy as the Ha-1 Ko for the Type 97 carrier fighter.

Single seat carrier fighter.