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From: jeff@aplcomm.jhuapl.edu (JEFF NANIS )
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Carrier Aircraft
Message-ID: <1991Mar8.021800.7056@cbnews.att.com>
Date: 8 Mar 91 02:18:00 GMT
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From: jeff@aplcomm.jhuapl.edu (JEFF NANIS )

	There have been a number of threads concerning the ease with which
land-based aircraft can operate off of carriers. The following is a letter from
the back of AW&ST (March 4, 1991) which gives the best explanation I have seen:

	"Converting an advanced tactical fighter candidate into a carrier-based A-12 replacement is more complex than suggested...
	New, heavier landing gear will be required. Carrier aircraft have
landing sink speeds of 26 ft/sec, while those of comparable land-based aircraft
are 8-12 ft/sec. Catapulting and arrested landing systems must be provided.
This equipment is not just bolted on; carry-through structure must accommodate
vertical landing loads, and fore and aft launch and recovery loads up to 6 g.
	The new wings likely will require folding provisions to ease deck
handling and stowage aboard ship. Tie-down requirements will be more severe due
to high winds and a moving deck. The whole aircraft structure will have to be 
examined for compatibility with the sonic and thermal environments near jet 
blast deflectors. Materials must be examined due to the more corrosive atmos-
phere aboard ship.
	A significant weight increase will accrue. Increased weight equates to 
increased takeoff and landing speeds, so aerodynamic means must be found to keepaircraft performance requirements within carrier catapult and arresting gear
requirements.
		----Huntley H. Perry, Laytonsville, MD"

	I hope this resolves some on-going questions.