What type of aircraft was used during attempts to combine aviation and naval strategy historically?

The correct answer is the type of aircraft known as pontoon aircraft, which were significant in the early integration of aviation with naval operations. Pontoon aircraft, such as seaplanes, were specifically designed to take off and land on water, allowing them to operate from naval vessels and to expand the operational capabilities of the navy. This type of aircraft played a crucial role in maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and support for naval fleets, particularly during the early 20th century. Their ability to function from ships helped to establish the foundational connection between aviation and naval strategy.

In contrast, the other types of aircraft listed, such as stealth bombers and fighter jets, are more modern developments that emerged after the foundational work of pontoon aircraft. Helicopters, while they can operate from naval vessels, typically focus on different tactical roles and were not part of the historical efforts to combine aviation and naval strategy as integrally as pontoon aircraft were.