DOCSLIB.ORG

Ski Jump’ Launch,” Says Collins

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ski Jump’ Launch,” Says Collins Naval Aviation Firsts Leading the way in Innovation Ski-Jump In the 1970s Lt Cdr Doug Taylor invented the ‘Ski-Jump’. This upwards curving ramp at the forward end of the flight deck ensures that the aircraft is launched on an upward trajectory giving considerable performance gains, including much greater payload and range, than a corresponding flat deck, short take-off. The early trials proved so successful that the Ski-Jump was incorporated into the design of HMS Hermes and the Invincible ClassSRVL carriers. royalnavy.mod.uk/flynavy100 Shipborne Rolling Vertical Landing 1909 - 2009 WX South Atlantic Quotes: demonstrated the Harrier’s ability to the aircraft’s development; on the contrary, V/STOL: Neither Myth Nor operate from the deck in weather well history is replete with examples of Harriers Promise—But Fact below the limits for conventional jet recovering in weather conditions that aircraft, and this was proven again – would have normally grounded CTOL Sep-Oct 1982 Wing Commander John D. L. several times – during operations in the aircraft. This fact is best described by a Feesey, Royal Air Force Air University Review South Atlantic. In cloud bases of 200 ft and passage from V/STOL in the Roaring Forties, “…In a remarkable demonstration of the visibility of half a mile, Harriers slowed to dealing with the RN’s experiences during inherent flexibility of V/STOL, RAF Harriers 60 knots on the CCA, descended to 100 ft, the Falkland War of 1982: flown by pilots with no previous deck identified the carrier’s wake and motored ‘For much of the task force’s time in the experience operated successfully from slowly forward until the superstructure South Atlantic, the weather was almost naval aircraft carriers and the converted appeared from the gloom, leaving just a second adversary. It was not without cargo ship Atlantic Conveyor. Sea Harriers time to establish a hover alongside good reason, in the heyday of the sailing frequently landed on the helicopter flight FLYCO…. ship, that these ports of the southern decks of destroyers to refuel, thus freeing …Landing on the forward spot [of ocean became known as the roaring carrier decks for other uses. A total of Atlantic Conveyor] in a heavy rolling swell forties. The flight decks of the carriers more than 2000 Harrier sorties was flown off Georgetown (Ascension) was probably were moving vertically at times through from aircraft carriers during the conflict, one of the more demanding flying events 30 feet and the weather produced cloud an impressive average of about six per of our deployment…. However, the use of bases typically [down to] 200 feet and day per aircraft.2 Any doubts about the Atlantic Conveyor as a carrier of aircraft often down to 100 feet during flying effectiveness of the Harrier as a versatile with the ability to launch and recover operations. Visibility was typically ½ fighter must surely have been removed whilst in transit, is an interesting reflection nautical mile and often much less. One by its outstanding record in the Falkland of the Harrier’s versatility….” Harrier recovered to the deck of the http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk.nyud.net/documents/Research/RAF-Histori- Islands War. cal-Society-Journals/Journal-35A-Seminar-the-RAF-Harrier-Story.pdf [HMS] Hermes in horizontal visibility of note 2: Aviation Week & Space Technology, July 19, 1982, p. 20. 50 meters [on] one notable occasion. V/STOL SHIPBOARD RECOVERY: “IT’S http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchroni- NOT JUST ANOTHER CARRIER LANDING” The time honoured carrier trick of cles/aureview/1982/sep-oct/feesey.html dropping flares at intervals into the 12 Apr 2002 Major A. G. Shorter, USMC THE RAF HARRIER STORY - OPERATIONS ship’s wake was used, but it was the Sea – GR3 “…In the past, there was seldom a mention Harrier’s facility to approach the ship Air Chf Mshl Sir Peter Squire | 2006 of instrument or night recoveries with using its internal approach aid & Blue “…Incidentally, whilst embarked in Ark respect to the Harrier. That is not because Fox radar at part jetborne [slow] closing Royal in 1971, Ken Hayr had already these recoveries were not executed early in speeds of a few tens of knots which 1 primarily provided the safety and hence incredible value of being able to slow Flying the Sea Harrier: a the success in bad weather recovery. right down when landing. Unless you have test pilot’s perspective tried it perhaps you cannot grasp how No conventional fixed-wing naval 20 Apr 2009 Peter Collins, Flight aircraft could have operated with (relatively) relaxed this makes you feel International adequate safety in such conditions, thus even if you literally have ony two minutes “Royal Navy Cdr Nigel “Sharkey” Ward supporting the claim that the greatest fuel. (Just think how bored you are and the Royal Air Force’s David Morgan military contribution made by the V/ watching somebody near you sit in a hover gained their place in British military STOL and STOVL aircraft is in the vertical for two minutes). folklore by flying the navy’s British landing phase of operation. In the Not wishing to flog a dead horse Aerospace Sea Harrier FRS1 fighter with Harrier, this phase is made safer, easier but one night I was doing visual circuits distinction during the 1982 Falklands War. and more flexible than in any other round Foch with a French naval aviator in Flight International’s UK test pilot Peter combat aircraft’….” a civil reg two seater (no HUD or stabs) somewhere in the Bay of Biscay. We got to Collins offers a rare insight on flying the http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?Location= U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf&AD=ADA407726 landing fuel but I succumbed to the plea “SHAR”, having sailed south aboard the rapidly completed aircraft carrier HMS Quote: British Aerospace Pamphlet, V/STOL in for one more circuit. On the downwind the Roaring Forties: 75 days in the South Atlantic leg the ship vanished. They called to say Illustrious as the combat action drew to a (Titchfield, England: Polygraphic Limited. 1982), 16. they had driven into a patch of low stratus close. and could not see the masthead light from Freshly posted to Germany as an RAF No cats and flaps… back to F35B? the deck. I asked for a radar line up and Harrier GR3 ground-attack pilot, Collins 29th Mar 2012, 10:38 #303 ranges every half mile and told my French was recalled to the UK after the war broke Quote [elsewhere]: ‘but would we have mate not to let me go be-low 100 ft. I out and diverted to the Fleet Air Arm for been better off in the Falklands with a kept slowing down and gingerly stepping a short tour flying the Sea Harrier. Type squadron of Buccs and and one of F4s?’ | down on the VSI and altimeter until we conversion was con-ducted with 899 NAS John Farley answers: found the ship about one length astern. at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset between “Of course. But only if they could have After landing I bollocked said mate for not June and July 1982. “My first memory been operated. The Wx down there [South mentioning we were now below 100ft. is of my first FRS1 familiarisation flight, Atlantic] was grim especially the vis and Honestly, ship motion and vis that including ‘Ski Jump’ launch,” says Collins. flying up a line of floating flares until you would rule out an arrested landing are not “The FRS1 cockpit wasn’t like the GR3’s get to the ship is not something a Bucc of concern if you can hover.” at all, with the engine and critical aircraft systems instrumentation on the left or F4 pilot would want to do. Over and http://www.pprune.org/military-aircrew/478767- over sens-ible people seem to ignore the no-cats-flaps-back-f35b-16.html [rather than the right], to allow space for 2 the Blue Fox radar display. There was no Refusing the launch is mutiny: it has to be Three of the pilots from 1(F) Squadron Sea Harrier T-Bird [two-seat trainer] and done by the pilot slamming the throttle as had prior experience of landing on ship; no simulator training; just a quick cockpit the deck starts to pitch down. Thankfully Squadron Leaders Bob Iveson, Peter Harris self-assessment in the last FRS1 left in Flyco scrubbed the launch!” Illustrious and Tim Smith had previous experience the UK. And then go: taxi up to the very returned home after two months of duty, via the US Marine Corps. The Squadron bottom of the ramp, gaze upwards at what with Collins having logged a total of 66 had prior to its deployment undertaken looked like Mount Snowdon (the ramp deck landings. “I am immensely proud some ski jump training at Royal Naval Air was set at the maximum angle of around of my short time with the Fleet Air Arm,” Station Yeovilton and, whilst embarked on 18°), remember some words of wisdom says Collins. “I wish them every continued Atlantic Conveyor, joint ground training from somewhere, pause, slam the throttle, success as a uniquely professional element with personnel from 809 NAS. depart the lip, take nozzles and fly away. of our fighting services.” For the most part, no major problems Piece of cake!” http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/04/20/325254/ were encountered with integrating 1(F) flying-the-sea-harrier-a-test-pilots-perspective.html Collins then moved aboard HMS Squadron aboard HMS Hermes. This was Illustrious – aka “Lusty” – with 809 NAS Corbett Paper No 13 because the Squadron: for the voyage to the South Atlantic.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • China's Aircraft Carrier Ambitions
    CHINA’S AIRCRAFT CARRIER AMBITIONS An Update Nan Li and Christopher Weuve his article will address two major analytical questions. First, what are the T necessary and suffi cient conditions for China to acquire aircraft carriers? Second, what are the major implications if China does acquire aircraft carriers? Existing analyses on China’s aircraft carrier ambitions are quite insightful but also somewhat inadequate and must therefore be updated. Some, for instance, argue that with the advent of the Taiwan issue as China’s top threat priority by late 1996 and the retirement of Liu Huaqing as vice chair of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC) in 1997, aircraft carriers are no longer considered vital.1 In that view, China does not require aircraft carriers to capture sea and air superiority in a war over Taiwan, and China’s most powerful carrier proponent (Liu) can no longer infl uence relevant decision making. Other scholars suggest that China may well acquire small-deck aviation platforms, such as helicopter carriers, to fulfi ll secondary security missions. These missions include naval di- plomacy, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and antisubmarine warfare.2 The present authors conclude, however, that China’s aircraft carrier ambitions may be larger than the current literature has predicted. Moreover, the major implications of China’s acquiring aircraft carriers may need to be explored more carefully in order to inform appropriate reactions on the part of the United States and other Asia-Pacifi c naval powers. This article updates major changes in the four major conditions that are necessary and would be largely suffi cient for China to acquire aircraft carriers: leadership endorsement, fi nancial affordability, a relatively concise naval strat- egy that defi nes the missions of carrier operations, and availability of requisite 14 NAVAL WAR COLLEGE REVIEW technologies.
    [Show full text]
  • A Brief Review on Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System
    International Journal of Mechanical And Production Engineering, ISSN: 2320-2092, Volume- 5, Issue-6, Jun.-2017 http://iraj.in A BRIEF REVIEW ON ELECTROMAGNETIC AIRCRAFT LAUNCH SYSTEM 1AZEEM SINGH KAHLON, 2TAAVISHE GUPTA, 3POOJA DAHIYA, 4SUDHIR KUMAR CHATURVEDI Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India E-mail: [email protected] Abstract - This paper describes the basic design, advantages and disadvantages of an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) for aircraft carriers of the future along with a brief comparison with traditional launch mechanisms. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the feasibility of EMALS for the next generation indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vishal. I. INTRODUCTION maneuvering. Depending on the thrust produced by the engines and weight of aircraft the length of the India has a central and strategic location in the Indian runway varies widely for different aircraft. Normal Ocean. It shares the longest coastline of 7500 runways are designed so as to accommodate the kilometers amongst other nations sharing the Indian launch for such deviation in takeoff lengths, but the Ocean. India's 80% trade is via sea routes passing scenario is different when it comes to aircraft carriers. through the Indian Ocean and 85% of its oil and gas Launch of an aircraft from a mobile platform always are imported through sea routes. Indian Ocean also requires additional systems and methods to assist the serves as the locus of important international Sea launch because the runway has to be scaled down, Lines Of Communication (SLOCs) . Development of which is only about 300 feet as compared to 5,000- India’s political structure, industrial and commercial 6,000 feet required for normal aircraft to takeoff from growth has no meaning until its shores are protected.
    [Show full text]
  • Ins Vikrant) at Csl, Kochi – 12 Aug 13
    ADDRESS BY CNS LAUNCH CEREMONY OF INDIGENOUS AIRCRAFT CARRIER I (INS VIKRANT) AT CSL, KOCHI – 12 AUG 13 1. Shri AK Antony, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri GK Vasan, Hon’ble Minister for Shipping, Hon’ble Members of Parliament, Hon’ble Members of Legislative Assembly & Council, Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Commodore K Subramaniam, Chairman & Managing Director, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Flag Officers, Board of Directors of CSL, the proud work force of CSL, distinguished guests, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen. 2. I would at the outset like to thank the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri and the Hon’ble Minister of Shipping for their presence at this momentous occasion, which is historic not only for the Navy, but for the entire nation. I would also like to compliment the Chairman & Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard and his team for making this occasion a reality. 3. The Navy has always been conscious that designing and building warships is a strategic core capability for any country. After the first indigenous warship INS Ajay was constructed in 1960, 2 the then Prime Minister Smt Indira Gandhi, launched our first indigenous frigate INS Nilgiri in 1968. Since then we have never looked back. 4. The next significant capability achieved was in-house designing. The ships of Godavari, Brahmaputra, Delhi and Shivalik, designed by naval design teams, exemplify this niche competence/ we also constructed two conventional submarines. The valuable exposure to the technical know-how of submarine construction has helped us embark on an indigenous 30 year submarine building programme.
    [Show full text]
  • The Chinese Navy: Expanding Capabilities, Evolving Roles
    The Chinese Navy: Expanding Capabilities, Evolving Roles The Chinese Navy Expanding Capabilities, Evolving Roles Saunders, EDITED BY Yung, Swaine, PhILLIP C. SAUNderS, ChrISToPher YUNG, and Yang MIChAeL Swaine, ANd ANdreW NIeN-dzU YANG CeNTer For The STUdY oF ChINeSe MilitarY AffairS INSTITUTe For NATIoNAL STrATeGIC STUdIeS NatioNAL deFeNSe UNIverSITY COVER 4 SPINE 990-219 NDU CHINESE NAVY COVER.indd 3 COVER 1 11/29/11 12:35 PM The Chinese Navy: Expanding Capabilities, Evolving Roles 990-219 NDU CHINESE NAVY.indb 1 11/29/11 12:37 PM 990-219 NDU CHINESE NAVY.indb 2 11/29/11 12:37 PM The Chinese Navy: Expanding Capabilities, Evolving Roles Edited by Phillip C. Saunders, Christopher D. Yung, Michael Swaine, and Andrew Nien-Dzu Yang Published by National Defense University Press for the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs Institute for National Strategic Studies Washington, D.C. 2011 990-219 NDU CHINESE NAVY.indb 3 11/29/11 12:37 PM Opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed or implied within are solely those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of Defense or any other agency of the Federal Government. Cleared for public release; distribution unlimited. Chapter 5 was originally published as an article of the same title in Asian Security 5, no. 2 (2009), 144–169. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Used by permission. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data The Chinese Navy : expanding capabilities, evolving roles / edited by Phillip C. Saunders ... [et al.]. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index.
    [Show full text]
  • China's Logistics Capabilities for Expeditionary Operations
    China’s Logistics Capabilities for Expeditionary Operations The modular transfer system between a Type 054A frigate and a COSCO container ship during China’s first military-civil UNREP. Source: “重大突破！民船为海军水面舰艇实施干货补给 [Breakthrough! Civil Ships Implement Dry Cargo Supply for Naval Surface Ships],” Guancha, November 15, 2019 Primary author: Chad Peltier Supporting analysts: Tate Nurkin and Sean O’Connor Disclaimer: This research report was prepared at the request of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission to support its deliberations. Posting of the report to the Commission's website is intended to promote greater public understanding of the issues addressed by the Commission in its ongoing assessment of U.S.-China economic relations and their implications for U.S. security, as mandated by Public Law 106-398 and Public Law 113-291. However, it does not necessarily imply an endorsement by the Commission or any individual Commissioner of the views or conclusions expressed in this commissioned research report. 1 Contents Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................................................... 3 Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Methodology, Scope, and Study Limitations ........................................................................................................ 6 1. China’s Expeditionary Operations
    [Show full text]
  • Aircraft Carriers – Glug Glug Glug….. Really? Significance of Carrier Borne Airpower for India
    www.maritimeindia.org Aircraft Carriers – Glug Glug Glug….. Really? Significance of Carrier Borne Airpower for India Author: Dinesh Yadav Date: 23 July 2018 In his recent article published by the Lowy Institute, titled “Glug, Glug, Glug: India’s interest in unsinkable Aircraft Carriers”, David Brewster1, probes India’s medium term plan to develop into a three carrier fleet. Brewster cites huge costs (acquisition, maintenance and operational) and vulnerability issues attached with the Carrier Task Force (CTFs) in support of his assertion and, as an alternative, advocates the use of ‘unsinkable’ island bases as cheaper and more effective options. Dismissing flat-tops as vulnerable status symbols for India, the author recommends the deferment of INS Vishal and instead, use the freed-up capital in shoring up India’s military capabilities in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) and Lakshadweep island chains. India currently operates only one carrier, INS Vikramaditya (erstwhile Admiral Gorshkov of the Soviet/ Russian Navy). Whilst India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant (IAC-I) is being built by Cochin Shipyard (CSL) and is likely to be commissioned in end 20202, India has already embarked on its follow-on induction3, likely to be named as INS Vishal (IAC-II), and expected to be much larger and more potent. A three-carrier force would allow the Indian Navy to operate one CTF on each of its seaboard at all times, with the third carrier involved in refit or maintenance. Bang for Buck – Misplaced Example of Great Britain The Royal Navy currently operates4 only one Aircraft Carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth (commissioned in December 2017).
    [Show full text]
  • BEL Preparedness Is the TAKING to the HIGH SEAS Best Deterrent: Jaitley
    IMDEX ASIA SUPPLEMENT www.aeromag.in n May 2017 | Vol 11 | Issue 3 BEL Preparedness is the TAKING TO THE HIGH SEAS Best Deterrent: Jaitley and Towed Array Sonar for ships, Short-range, Medium- range and Long-Range Gun Fire Control Systems, Naval Communication Systems for intra-ship, ship-ship, ship- shore communications and Anti-Submarine Warfare System for launch of torpedoes, rockets and decoys. BEL’s journey in the field of Sonars (Sound Navigation and Ranging) commenced in 1977 when in collaboration with DRDO lab NPOL, Kochi, it manufactured the first indigenous Sonar for the Indian Navy called APSOH. Till date, BEL has produced more than 60 Sonars covering the range of underwater applications for surface ships and submarines. Defence Minister Shri Arun Jaitley with Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff Some of the major contributions by BEL in the field of Sonars for Surface Ship projects include Hull A four-day Naval Commanders’ Mounted Sonar/Bow Mounted Sonar, Towed Array Conference was held in New Delhi from The Defence Minister lauded the Sonar and Fire Control Systems. BEL has also exported May 2. Defence Minister Shri Arun Jaitley efforts of Indian Navy in indigenisation three Hull Mounted Sonar Systems. It is noteworthy that addressed the Naval Commanders and and urged the Commanders to focus during the execution of this project, BEL, along with interacted with them along with Minister on furtherance of Domestic Expertise NPOL and industry partners, indigenised the Directing of State for Defence Dr Subhash Bhamre, building up. Gear and the Sonar Dome which were imported until Defence Secretary and other senior then.
    [Show full text]
  • Digital Download (PDF)
    Q&A: JCS Vice Roles and Missions Reboot? 48| Pilot Training 44| Cost-Per-E ect Calculus 60 Chairman Gen. John Hyten 14 THE NEW ARCTIC STRATEGY Competition Intensifies in a Critical Region |52 September 2020 $8 Published by the Air Force Association THOSE BORN TO FLY LIVE TO WALK AWAY ACES 5®: Proven and ready Protecting aircrew is our mission. It’s why our ACES 5® ejection seat is the world’s only production seat proven to meet the exacting standards of MIL-HDBK-516C. Innovative technologies and consistent test results make ACES 5 the most advanced protection for your aircrew. Plus, we leverage 40 years of investment to keep your life-cycle costs at their lowest. ACES 5: Fielded and available today. The only ejection seat made in the United States. collinsaerospace.com/aces5 © 2020 Collins Aerospace CA_8338 Aces_5_ProvenReady_AirForceMagazine.indd 1 8/3/20 8:43 AM Client: Collins Aerospace - Missions Systems Ad Title: Aces 5 - Eject - Proven and Ready Filepath: /Volumes/GoogleDrive/Shared drives/Collins Aerospace 2020/_Collins Aerospace Ads/_Mission Systems/ACES 5_Ads/4c Ads/ Eject_Proven and ready/CA_8338 Aces_5_ProvenReady_AirForceMagazine.indd Publication: Air Force Magazine - September Trim: 8.125” x 10.875” • Bleed: 8.375” x 11.125” • Live: 7.375” x 10.125” STAFF Publisher September 2020. Vol. 103, No. 9 Bruce A. Wright Editor in Chief Tobias Naegele Managing Editor Juliette Kelsey Chagnon Editorial Director John A. Tirpak News Editor Amy McCullough Assistant Managing Editor Chequita Wood Senior Designer Dashton Parham Pentagon Editor Brian W. Everstine Master Sgt. Christopher Boitz Sgt. Christopher Master Digital Platforms Editor DEPARTMENTS FEATURES T-38C Talons Jennifer-Leigh begin to break 2 Editorial: Seize 14 Q&A: The Joint Focus Oprihory the High Ground away from an echelon for- Senior Editor By Tobias Naegele Gen.
    [Show full text]
  • January 2017 AEROSPACE
    AEROSPACE January 2017 44 Number 1 Volume Society Royal Aeronautical JANUARY 2017 NEWSPACE START- UPS AIM FOR ORBIT BREXIT – TAILWIND OR TURBULENCE? VIRTUAL HELICOPTER DESIGN www.aerosociety.com REDRESSING THE BALANCE RECRUITING MORE FEMALE PILOTS Have you renewed your Membership Subscription for 2017? Your membership subscription is due on 1 January 2017 and any unpaid memberships will lapse on 31 March 2017. As per the Society’s Regulations, all How to renew: membership benefits will be suspended where Online: a payment for an individual subscription has Log in to your account on the Society’s www.aerosociety.com not been received after three months of the website to pay at . If you due date. However, this excludes members do not have an account, you can register online paying their annual subscriptions by Direct and pay your subscription straight away. Debits in monthly instalments to October. Telephone: Call the Subscriptions Department +44 (0)20 7670 4315 / 4304 We don’t want you to lose all of your on membership benefits, which include: Cheque: Cheques should be made payable to • Your monthly subscription to AEROSPACE the Royal Aeronautical Society and sent to the magazine Subscriptions Department at No.4 Hamilton • Use of your RAeS post nominals as Place, London W1J 7BQͭ UK. applicable Direct Debit: Complete the Direct Debit • Over 400 global events yearly mandate form included in your renewal letter • Discounted rates for conferences or complete the mandate form online once you • Online publications including Society News, have logged into your account by 16 January. blogs and podcasts BACS Transfer: • Involvement with your local branch Pay by Bank Transfer (or by • Networking opportunities BACS) into the Society’s bank account, quoting your name and membership number.
    [Show full text]
  • Carrier Deck Launching of Adapted Land-Based Airplanes
    DOI: 10.13009/EUCASS2017-275 7TH EUROPEAN CONFERENCE FOR AERONAUTICS AND SPACE SCIENCES (EUCASS) Carrier deck launching of adapted land-based airplanes HERNANDO, José-Luis and MARTINEZ-VAL, Rodrigo Department of Aircraft and Spacecraft School of Aerospace Engineering Universidad Politécnica de Madrid 28040Madrid, Spain [email protected]; [email protected] Abstract Harrier VTOL is the basic combat airplane for many Navies, but it will soon be retired from service. Three main alternatives appear: to incorporate another, already existing or under development airplane; to design a completely new aircraft; or to modify an existing land-based airplane for carrier suitability. The present paper is part of a study to assess the feasibility of the third option. In former papers the authors have addressed the compatibility of land-based airplanes with aircraft carriers and the details of the carrier approach guidance and recovery; and showed some major modifications required in wing structure and landing gear. The research proposed here studies the airplane performance during the launching manoeuvre, formed by a take-off run on the flat deck followed by a ski-jump. 1. Introduction Along its 100 years of existence naval aviation has progressed astonishingly, but it is still one of the most demanding environments for airplane operations: extremely short, moving runways; flight in rough air generated by the vessel’s superstructure wake and from the sea surface; etc [1-3]. Modern aircraft carriers are classified into three categories: vessels designed to operate only with thrust vectoring airplanes; ships designed for short take-off and arrested recovery (STOBAR); and carriers equipped with catapults and arresting devices (CATOBAR).
    [Show full text]
  • India's Response to China's Assertiveness Over the Seas
    India’s response to China’s assertiveness over the seas When the Chinese occupied the Paracel Islands in early 1974, attached exchange of letters, it was said that Sri Lanka will the absence of official reaction drew the attention of the not allow any activities on its territory detrimental to India’s French embassy in New Delhi. A diplomat went to interview security, including making ports available for military use by the Head of the China desk at South Block, the Indian minis- any country in a manner prejudicial to India’s interests. Rich- try of External Affairs. The senior officer analyzed that “the ard Armitage, then Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian occupation by force of the Paracel Islands must be interpret- and Pacific Affairs, noted prophetically that it didn’t “make ed as a warning sign of Beijing’s Southern seas strategy aim- sense for the U.S. not to have a congenial relationship with ing at encircling Southeast Asia and at exercising a dominant the largest democracy and the dominant military power in influence over the region, economically, politically and stra- the subcontinent – and with a country that will clearly take tegically”. Besides Beijing was asserting claims to the Sprat- its place on the world stage in the 21st century”2. The rise of ley Islands and adjacent territorial waters, not ruling out the the Indian Navy was nevertheless then in its infancy. use of armed force if necessary. In view of their rapproche- The Indian Maritime Doctrine of 2015 emphasizes the neces- ment with the People’s Republic of China and obsessed with sity to manifest a strong presence of the Navy in the Indian the containment of the Soviet Union, the United States were Ocean Region (IOR), to strengthen the coastal defense, and seen as complacent, willing to allow some kind of Chinese to display a resolve to protect sea lanes of communications.
    [Show full text]
  • INS Vikramaditya
    INS Vikramaditya History : Baku entered service in 1987, and was renamed Admiral Gorshkov in 1991, but was deactivated in 1996 because she was too expensive to operate on a post-Cold War budget. This attracted the attention of India, which was looking for a way to expand its carrier aviation capabilities.On 20 January 2004, after years of negotiations, Russia and India signed a deal for the sale of the ship. The ship would be free, while India would pay US$800 million for the upgrade and refit of the ship, as well as an additional US$1 billion for the aircraft and weapons systems. The navy looked at equipping the carrier with the E-2C Hawkeye, but decided not to. In 2009, Northrop Grumman offered the advanced E-2D Hawkeye to the Indian Navy. The deal also included the purchase of 12 single-seat Mikoyan MiG-29K 'Fulcrum-D' (Product 9.41) and four dual-seat MiG-29KUB aircraft (with an option for 14 more aircraft) at US$1 billion, six Kamov Ka-31 "Helix" reconnaissance and anti-submarine helicopters, torpedo tubes, missile systems and artillery units. Facilities and procedures for training pilots and technical staff, delivery of simulators, spare parts, and establishment maintenance on Indian Navy facilities were also part of the contract. The upgrade involved stripping all the weaponry and missile launcher tubes from the ship's foredeck to make way for a "short take-off but arrested recovery" (STOBAR) configuration, converting the Gorshkov from a hybrid carrier/cruiser to a pure carrier. Vikramaditya (left) alongside the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in the port of Severomorsk in 2012 The announced delivery date for INS Vikramaditya was August 2008, which would allow the carrier to enter service just as the Indian Navy's only light carrier INS Viraat retired.
    [Show full text]