THE LAUNCHING AND LANDING OF CARRIER AIRCRAFT. PART 2. LIMITATIONS OF CABLE-DRIVE CATAPULTS
Abstract
A study was made of the performance limitations of hydraulic catapults which transfer the force of the catapult engine to the aircraft by a cable. The ultimate strength of the cable was shown to limit the acceleration to 802 fps for a cable length equal to the total run length. However, the speed appeared to be limited practically below this by a rapid total-weight increase as the accelerated-run length increased to give a higher terminal velocity. A multiply reeved system decreased the maximum attainable velocity as the multiplication of reeving increased. An increase in cable limitations with cable length indicated improved performance by using shuttle-or multiple-braking systems and eliminating multiple reevings. A continuous-cable-drive, shuttle- clutch catapult offered possibilities for medium-capacity installations. Catapult choice was shown to be a compromise among considerations of low over- all weight, low topside weight, high efficiency, protection from damage, reliability and durability, and lack of interference with armor, flight-deck structures, and aircraft-carrier equipment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1952
- Accession Number
- AD0021495
Entities
Organizations
- University of Kansas