[VF-51_Cobraj]

The hangar decks of the turboelectric Lex and Sara were initially fitted with Norden-style flywheel catapults. Energy generated by electric motors was stored in six-ton flywheels and transmitted to the catapult through a cone-type friction clutch. The cable transmitting the power ran off a tapering drum, keeping acceleration as constant as possible to avoid giving pilot and plane too much of a jolt. These devices could launch 10,000-pound twin-float seaplanes at 55 mph, but clutching was a continuing problem for the fast-turning flywheels. The catapults were rarely used, and soon they were removed. Deck launches worked fine for the airplanes of the day, and few Navy officers seemed concerned about what would happen when carrier airplanes got a lot bigger, faster, and heavier.