The HMS Illustrious is known for its 75mm thick armored flight deck. This increased the ship's defense against dive bombing, though it limited the number of the aircraft it was able to carry (only 36 airplanes). The most famous battle she joined is the attack on the Italian naval base in Tarante in November, 1940. Twenty four Swordfish torpedo-bombers from the carrier destroyed several Italian warships. Later in the war, this "illustrious" ship fought in the Pacific. She was struck by Kamikaze attacks, but owing to her armored flight deck, there was no severe damage. Aoshima's waterline model is the original tooling from the 1970's. Parts are few and easy to build up. A small decal for the ensign is included.