Carrier Launches - Thoughts

[srgalahad]

A few weeks ago there was a thread in the MSFS (2020) forum inquiring about an aspect of carrier launches.


Somehow that sent me down one of the infernal Internet Rabbit Holes, where, in a side tunnel there were the usual threads and posts bemoaning the lack of moving carriers in sims and how that (until FSX, and for now in MSFS) impinged on the 'realism' of naval carrier ops and so-on and so-on...


Of course, that WAS solved in FSX and will be in the newer sim, but it was interesting to see some of the comments about how there was absolutely a need for WOD (Wind over Deck) to make for safe and practical flying, thus the need to use manual weather settings to get sufficient breeze to make things work.


OK, I get it. A headwind helps reach flying speed in the least distance and carrier cats are, umm, rather short so any help is a blessing. However, across the years it's become a mantra for some that we MUST HAVE WIND!



If so,



'splain this:





Caption: 1963 - An F-4B Phantom II launches from the carrier Ranger (CVA 61) while moored in Yokosuka, Japan. Photo by Robert Lawson

Now, does anyone have a credible source for WHY this was done?

 

[Mike71]

On large carriers (CV-59 and on, and CV-41 modernized) you certainly can launch many planes with no WOD. HOWEVER, they must be light enough that the cat can achieve the launch bulletin minimum end speed at that load and configuration.

In general, the cat would do the job, the airframe strength or flying qualities would be limiting factors.

The picture was some type of PAO stunt or perhaps they wanted a quick way to get the F-4 to the beach without using the B&A crane etc.

 

[Bunkiester]

Like he said above - a PAO stunt etc. Yes, you can usually shoot a fighter-sized jet off a stationary carrier, but it's only going to be carrying enough fuel to get to the nearest air station, and certainly no stores of any kind.

 

[TARPSBird]

NAF Atsugi (Atsugi Aero in FS) is right up the road from Yokosuka where that CV is berthed. Just enough gas to get them there (with a little loiter time in case of delay at Atsugi) and the flight crew was probably at the O-Club a half hour after that pic was shot.