GC046 Flying Aircraft Carriers

Geek Counterpoint -- Your antidote to soundbite science!

A few weeks ago, researchers finished the first exhaustive study performed of the wreck of the USS Macon, a U.S. Navy airship. What's unique about this particular wreck is that the Macon isn't alone on its piece of ocean floor off the California coast -- it's debris also contains the wreckage of four fighter aircraft. The Macon was one of a handful of flying aircraft carriers to have been in operation over the years. In the process of doing some research on the Macon, I discovered that there's actually an interesting slice of technological history tied up in the varied approaches taken to flying aircraft carriers, so I thought it'd make a good podcast topic. Listen in this week, and you'll find out all about these odd and wonderful beasts!