How Do Aircraft Launch From Aircraft Carriers?

Pilots require extensive training to operate from carriers.

Aircraft carriers provide versatile air power for armed forces. They are typically used to support overseas combat, providing air support in the form of both rotary and fixed wing aircraft. Highly trained pilots launch aircraft from these restricted and constantly moving platforms.

History

In 1848, the Austrian navy began launching balloons from ships, using them to drop bombs on Venice. This evolved early in the 20th century when the French, American and British Navies began launching fixed wing aircraft from stationary ships. It wasn't until 1918 that aircraft operated from moving ships. The first aircraft carrier built for this purpose was HMS Hermes, entering service in 1923.

Takeoff

Fixed wing aircraft that do not possess short take off and landing capabilities (STOL) use a high-power steam catapult to accelerate them down the runway. The flight deck is normally angled to help the aircraft climb, with a ski-jump-type ramp at the end.

Landing

The angled flight deck helps to slow aircraft down on landing, but the jets also use an arresting gear to stop them as quickly as possible. This is a set of cables strung across the flight deck that connect to a tail hook on the landing aircraft.

References

• Global Carrier: Carrier Design

Resources

• U.S. Navy: The Aircraft Carrier
• Royal Navy: Aircraft Carriers