Focusing on the U.S. military's development of special aircraft types during World War II, including many experimental aircraft and one-off secret projects, this book shows how U.S. aviation designs and weapons progressed under the pressure of global warfare. From the state-of-the-art aircraft at the beginning of the war, to the advances during the conflict, each special type is covered in detail: armed photo reconnaissance, catapult launched seaplanes, naval floatplanes, autogyros, and special-operations armed drones. Often described as less glamorous than fighters and bombers, these special types of WWII combat aircraft offer a unique contribution to military aviation and aeronautical advancement.