Seawings

This French designed plane is flown by the US coastguard services, from ocean rescues to drug busts, seeing thrilling action every day of the year.

The 'gunfighter', as the F-8 seaplane became known, saw extensive success during the Vietnam War and fulfilled several peacetime roles.

The impressive F-18 is both a fighter and an attack plane. It has been at the forefront of modern warfare from the Gulf War to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The powerful F-14 Tomcat has come to symbolise American naval superiority. Select pilots are chosen to hone their skills at the Naval Weapons school.

The Avenger was the most famous naval aircraft of WWII. This plane was flown by thousands of pilots, including former president George Bush Sr.

The French-made Super Etendard became renowned for its feared Exocet missile in three conflicts - the Falklands, Lebanon and the first Gulf War.

The Panther was the US Navy's first jet fighter and played a multi-faceted role in the Korean War.

The Intruder was the backbone of naval air attack in the Vietnam War, where it flew on more attack missions than any other aircraft.

Competing with the US Air Force for funds, the Navy sought a supersonic bomber for nuclear delivery. It decided on the North American Vigilante.

The Orion is a land-based, long range anti-submarine aircraft that encountered the enemy every day during the cold war. But now its future is uncertain.

Originally designed to fly against the Soviet fleet, the Lockheed S-3 Viking has evolved into the most versatile aircraft in the US Navy.