how does a jet land on an aircraft carrier?

Question

so accurately without overshooting the runway?

Answer 1

I'm not a carrier pilot but I find this subject interesting, so I do know the answer.

Any aircraft has a landing speed, and usually the slowest speed at which the aircraft is controllable is best. So one way is to develop jets that can be slowed to a reasonably safe landing speed, usually something over 120 knots.

Next, each carrier aircraft has an arresting hook that engages a cable on the carrier's deck. That will slow the aircraft to a stop in a minimal distance.

Slow speed plus arresting cable is what makes the landing work, but add in a sophisticated system to guide the pilot to the proper position to land on the deck and engage the hook at the desired safe speed.

This involves mirrors and signals by a landing signal officer who monitors the landing and helps guide the pilot to the exact approach point needed for a safe landing.

It is still a challenge and requires a lot of practice. Most pilots can get some of that practice on simulators, but they also get a lot of it in the aircraft they fly.

It is a bit dangerous, and that gives us more reasons to have great respect for aviators who paint their airplanes funny colors and fly off ships.

God bless 'em and keep 'em safe!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

My dad was carrier qualified, and taught carrier landings. Here is a synopsis of his instruction.

First get the feel of carrier landings. Place a postage stamp in the middle of a room, place your back against a wall in the room, any wall will do, leap towards the stamp licking it with your tongue as you put other body parts to the deck. Now you know what it feels like to "hit" the deck.

After that the rest is simply a controlled crash.

My dad always said, the scary part for him was launching in a pitching rolling sea (waves of 60 feet and more). He would launch into the trough, praying the ship would raise up in time for the aircraft to clear the sea.

Answer 4

It is a testimony to the skills of the pilot.
He must be on a glide slope that will let him land on the deck at a predetermined area.
As stated there is a system of lights the pilot must keep aligned upon landing.
Now throw in rough seas with the ship listing up and down and side to side and the pilot has to react accordingly with nerves of steel and high concentration.
The skill they developed is partly instinct but I can believe each landing is going to be a bit different every time.
It is a highly conditioned skill, no less.

Answer 5

as a jet approaches the carrier there is a system of lights that guides him in on the right trajectory, then a hook from the end of the craft drops to catch cables that cross the runway to help slow the jet down.

Answer 6

with sufficient money almost something might properly be executed. you could ought to severely pork up the landing equipment, upload a tail-hook, upload larger flaps for a slower stall velocity, and adjust the physique to take the stresses of the two the deceleration and acceleration from the catapult. The engines could must be slightly extra powerful, yet you need to in all likelihood seize up on that with the catapult equipment. and finally, you could ought to upload extra protection helpful aspects... chairs for the acceleration and that i could advise ejection seats (that's somewhat risky to land on a provider). additionally, the Lear Jet or Gulfstream are in all likelihood extra suitable perfect via fact the Hawker is usually a heavier airplane.

Answer 7

...using the very strong rope specially made for the speeding aircraft.

Answer 8

lick on these links for some visuals:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-
http://www.guzer.com/videos/cockpit_view_landing.php
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/images/t-45a-DN-ST-92-04129.jpg
http://encarta.msn.com/media_461547358_761552829_-1_1/F-14_Landing_on_Aircraft_Carrier.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:2006_CVF_STOVL.jpg

And, here is a good explaination for how it's done:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/aircraft-carrier4.htm

Answer 9

I saw a documentary on that once, it's very dangerous.