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Howto:Carrier: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Carrier6.jpg|thumb|300px|'''1:''' The takeoff part of the carrier with the catapults | [[Image:Carrier6.jpg|thumb|300px|'''1:''' The takeoff part of the carrier with the catapults | ||
'''2:''' The land part of the carrier with the wires]] | '''2:''' The land part of the carrier with the wires]] | ||
[[File:F-14-multiple-cat-launch.jpg|300px|thumb|F-14 USS Carl Vinson Multiple Cat Launch]] | |||
[[File:F14 Nimitz locked in catapult.jpg|300px|thumb|On Nimitz carrier: F14 locked in catapult, flaps set, full afterburner, ready for take-off]] | [[File:F14 Nimitz locked in catapult.jpg|300px|thumb|On Nimitz carrier: F14 locked in catapult, flaps set, full afterburner, ready for take-off]] | ||
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Basically, though, you should use the TACAN to locate the carrier, and line up with the rear of the deck. As this part of the deck is at an angle to the course of the vessel, you may need to correct your alignment often. Ensure that the aircraft is in the correct configuration for approach (the <tt>Help > Aircraft Help</tt> menu should contain useful data for your aircraft) and that the gear and the arrestor hook are down. | Basically, though, you should use the TACAN to locate the carrier, and line up with the rear of the deck. As this part of the deck is at an angle to the course of the vessel, you may need to correct your alignment often. Ensure that the aircraft is in the correct configuration for approach (the <tt>Help > Aircraft Help</tt> menu should contain useful data for your aircraft) and that the gear and the arrestor hook are down. | ||
Setting up for approach is important; for example with the F-14 at 6nm from the carrier you should be at 1200 feet and maintain this until you intercept the glideslope at around 3 nm. At this point you will need a descent rate of roughly 800 fpm (depending on configuration). The most important part is the setup part; the aircraft should be trimmed based on the AoA indexer (orange donut). Before the 3nm mark you must have around 15degrees (indicated) AoA. It is usual to control the AoA by (frequent) minor adjustments to the throttles and an occasional minor pitch trim change as required. This is generally referred as being in the groove. To begin descending at 3nm reduce power to achieve the correct descent rate to achieve roughly 400feet descent per mile (around 800 fpm). At 1nm you should be at 460 ASL (400 above deck) Contrary to popular opinion the key thing about a carrier approach is to come in as slow as you can whilst maintaining good control. | |||
[[File:Carrier5.jpg|thumb|300px|The Fresnel Lens Optical landing System]] | [[File:Carrier5.jpg|thumb|300px|The Fresnel Lens Optical landing System]] | ||
As you approach you should see, on the left hand side of the deck, a set of brightly coloured lights - called the Fresnel Lens Optical landing System (FLOLS). This indicates your position on the landing glideslope. You will see a horizontal row of green lights, and when approximately on the glideslope, an orange light ( known in some circles as 'the meatball') approximately in line with the green lights. When approaching correctly, the meatball appears in line with the green lights. If you are high it is above, and when low it is below. If you are very low the meatball turns red. If you fly to keep the meatball aligned you should catch number 3 wire. | As you approach you should see, on the left hand side of the deck, a set of brightly coloured lights - called the Fresnel Lens Optical landing System (FLOLS). This indicates your position on the landing glideslope. You will see a horizontal row of green lights, and when approximately on the glideslope, an orange light ( known in some circles as 'the meatball') approximately in line with the green lights. When approaching correctly, the meatball appears in line with the green lights. If you are high it is above, and when low it is below. If you are very low the meatball turns red. If you fly to keep the meatball aligned you should catch number 3 wire. | ||