CATOBAR
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CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take Off But Arrested Recovery) is a system used for the launch and recovery of aircraft from the deck of an aircraft carrier. Under this technique, aircraft launch using a catapult assisted take off and land on the ship (the recovery phase) using arrestor wires.
Although this system is more costly than alternative methods, it provides greater flexibility in carrier operations, since it allows the vessel to support conventional aircraft. Alternate methods of launch and recovery can only use aircraft with STOVL or STOBAR capability.
[edit] Types
There are two types of launch catapults: the conventional stream-driven catapult, and the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System.
[edit] Users
Only three countries currently operate carriers that use the CATOBAR system; the U.S. Nimitz class, and USS Enterprise (CVN-65), France's Charles De Gaulle, and Brazil's NAe São Paulo.
The UK Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers were originally to be built as STOVL carriers operating the F-35B Lightning II, but subsequent to the Strategic Defence and Security Review they will now be CATOBAR carriers capable of supporting the non-STOVL F-35C variant. It may be the second ship in the class, HMS Prince of Wales, which will be the first to deploy CATOBAR gear, since HMS Queen Elizabeth will be commissioned initially without CATOBAR.[1]
INS Vishal, India's second indigenous aircraft carrier of the Vikrant class is planned to be of 65,000 tons and to utilise steam catapults.[2][3]
[edit] References
- ^ www.defensemanagement.com: Navy will be "too small for two carriers" http://www.defencemanagement.com/news_story.asp?id=18127
- ^ Times of India on IAC-II
- ^ First indigenous aircraft carrier to be launched next year: Navy chief
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