06.03.2009, 17:18
Did some research for WWII Carrier launches. Take off speed of the F4U Corsair, without weapons, is 84MPH (appx 75kts/ 140KMH). Carrier max speeds were recorded as 30MPH (appx 27kts/70kmh).
That means that in order for the Carrier to launch an EMPTY F4U with only fuel, carrier would need to be going full speed (30mph) + natural wind speed (??? we'll use 10mph for this example)=40mph wind over the deck.
Then 84mph - 40mph = a cat speed needed of 44mph. ALL USN carrier CATBOSS's (catapult boss) add on a little bit just in case. Usually 5% of what is actually needed for that particular plane. (.05 x 84mph=4.2mph + 44mph = 48.2 cat speed). Start adding weapons and the speed of the cat needs to increase due to aircraft weight.
That means that in order for the Carrier to launch an EMPTY F4U with only fuel, carrier would need to be going full speed (30mph) + natural wind speed (??? we'll use 10mph for this example)=40mph wind over the deck.
Then 84mph - 40mph = a cat speed needed of 44mph. ALL USN carrier CATBOSS's (catapult boss) add on a little bit just in case. Usually 5% of what is actually needed for that particular plane. (.05 x 84mph=4.2mph + 44mph = 48.2 cat speed). Start adding weapons and the speed of the cat needs to increase due to aircraft weight.
Though I fly through the valley of death, I will fear no evil.....
For I am the meanest SOB in the valley!
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