All of the most powerful navies in the world maintain their superiority using aircraft carriers. These rare beasts are extremely expensive and not every country with a fleet is able to afford them. They can cost several billion dollars each, but the value they provide is immense--with them, a navy is able to project power far beyond a country's borders. 

Any major conflict between the world's superpowers is certain to involve these magnificient machines. They really are fascinating pieces of engineering. Just how fascinating? Without further ado, here are 5 things you never knew about aircraft carriers.


-Picture courtesy Reuters-