Warship facts for kids
A warship is a special kind of ship built to carry weapons. It is used by a country's navy to protect its interests at sea. Some warships can also carry aircraft like planes or helicopters.
Warships come in many different sizes. During World War II, for example, there were several types, from the very large to the smaller ones.
| Type | Weight (approx.) | Weapons and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Battleship | 35,000 tons | Had huge guns, from 12 to 18 inches big. |
| Aircraft carrier | 27,000 tons | Carried many aircraft. A fully loaded one could weigh over 36,000 tons. |
| Battle cruiser | 25,000 tons | Had 10 to 12-inch guns. |
| Cruiser | 10,000 tons | Heavy cruisers had 8-inch guns or larger. Lighter cruisers had smaller guns. |
| Destroyer | 2,000 tons | Carried 4 to 6-inch guns. |
| Frigate | 1,500 tons | Had 3 to 5-inch guns. |
| Submarine | 1,500 tons | Used torpedoes to attack. |
Contents
Modern Warships: Types and Roles
Today, large warships almost never travel alone. They need protection from planes, submarines, and missiles. For example, an Aircraft carrier will have an AEW&C plane flying above it. This plane gives an early warning of anything approaching. The carrier will also be surrounded by destroyers and submarines. This group is often called a "Carrier Strike Group." This idea is used by all major navies around the world.
Modern warships still have similar "classes" as they did in World War II. However, their sizes and roles have changed a lot. Let's look at them from largest to smallest:
Aircraft Carriers: Floating Airfields
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Aircraft carriers are like airports that float on the sea. They are often called "floating cities." This is because they can hold hundreds of planes and thousands of sailors. For example, the US Nimitz class carriers can weigh over 100,000 tons!
- Escort carriers are smaller aircraft carriers. They carry fewer planes and sailors. However, they are usually faster than the larger carriers.
- Helicopter carriers are used by the United States Marine Corps and some other navies. They are designed to carry and launch many helicopters.
Cruisers and Frigates: Missile Powerhouses
Cruisers and frigates are often similar in size now. Their main job is to launch guided missiles. They also shoot down enemy airplanes. Cruisers are usually slower and larger than frigates. They can also travel longer distances. Most cruisers and frigates are big enough to carry helicopters. These helicopters land on the back of the ship, which is called the fantail. Cruisers can usually hold one or two helicopters. Some smaller frigates are even designed to hold two or three.
Destroyers: Submarine Hunters
Destroyers are smaller and faster than cruisers and frigates. They are mainly used to hunt down enemy submarines. Sometimes, they also attack enemy airplanes. Destroyers can also get closer to shore than larger ships. This allows them to attack targets on land.
Submarines: Hidden Power Underwater
Submarines are special warships that can hide under the water. Modern submarines are powered by atomic engines. This means they can travel around the world underwater without needing to refuel. Some submarines carry nuclear weapons. This makes them a very powerful deterrent, meaning they help prevent attacks by other countries.
Other Types of Warships
Some warships are called support ships. They are used to bring ammunition, food, and other supplies to larger warships. Other warships are designed to carry powerful radio receivers and computers. These ships detect and analyze signals from nearby ships. These types of ships are usually smaller and do not carry many guns or missiles themselves.
Images for kids
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The Cannon Shot (1670) by Willem van de Velde the Younger. It shows a Dutch ship of the line from the late 17th century.
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Diagrams of first and third-rate warships from England, 1728.
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See also
In Spanish: Buque de guerra para niños
