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'''AJ MacLeod'''
Over the years, [[FlightGear]] has been equipped with a number of different [[aircraft carrier]]s that allow pilots to simulate the entire range of carrier operations, from catapult take-offs, to "controlled crashes".


30th September 2005
== Features ==
Current Status (1st March 2006)
[[File:Carrier3.jpg|thumb|300px|The Nimitz carrier in the San Fransisco bay]]
[[Image:Carrier3.jpg|thumb|300px|The Nimitz carrier in the San Fransisco bay]]
At the time of writing, it is possible with Flightgear 0.9.9 or a recent CVS copy to:


* start FG with your chosen aircraft placed on the aircraft carrier "Nimitz" or "Eisenhower"
* Start FG with your chosen aircraft placed on the chosen aircraft carrier (e.g. "Nimitz" or "Eisenhower")
* Engage the launchbar in the steam catapult
* Engage the launchbar in the steam catapult
* Have the carrier set course into the prevailing wind direction and attempt to get wind speed over the deck at a suitable value for launch
* Have the carrier set course into the prevailing wind direction and attempt to get wind speed over the deck at a suitable value for launch
* Launch from the deck when ready
* Launch from the deck when ready
* Set the TACAN reciever in the aircraft to Nimitz's channel (029Y) and have the heading and range to the carrier displayed on the cockpit instruments
* Set the TACAN receiver in the aircraft to the carriers channel (e.g. 029Y) and have the heading and range to the carrier displayed on the cockpit instruments
* Land on the deck and be halted by the arrestor cables
* Land on the deck and be halted by the arrestor cables
* Taxi onto the deck elevators, operate them and park on the hangar deck (0.9.10 and later)
* Taxi onto the deck elevators, operate them and park on the hangar deck
* To help practise - start from either final approach to the flight deck, or from the "abeam" or "180" position.


==What to do first==
== Start at a carrier ==
To enable the carrier, you must edit your <tt>preferences.xml</tt> file. This lives in your FlightGear data directory, the one under which your Aircraft, Scenery etc directories reside. Open this file in a text editor (such as notepad on Windows, or TextEdit on OSX - Linux users are probably familiar with such software... try kedit or gedit if not.)
Note that several FlightGear aircraft are carrier capable, but the [[Hawker Seahawk|Seahawk]] is possibly the easiest to fly to begin with. You can start FlightGear with the command line or a GUI.


Search for the word ``nimitz'. You ought to find something that looks like this :
NB: this guide is for aircraft carriers in AI scenarios visible only to you. If you wish to use a carrier in [[Howto:Multiplayer|MultiPlayer]], then [[Carrier over MP]] is for you.
<!-- <scenario>nimitz_demo</scenario> -->


You should remove the ``comment' marks so that it looks like this:
=== From the launcher (Version 2020.1 and later) ===
On the Location screen, click on the "boat" button on the top right (to the right of the search bar).  This will display a list of available carriers, and allow you to set the start position - either on deck or in the air.


<scenario>nimitz_demo</scenario>
=== From command line (Versions older than 2019.1) ===
To position your [[aircraft]] on the carrier at startup, use the following [[Command Line Parameters|command line options]] beside your normal options ([[$FG_ROOT|fg-root]] etc.).


Also ensure that the line above that referring to ai being enabled is set to "true"
Note the upper-case "N" in Nimitz and the fact that the scenario comes in front of carrier! You can copy-paste this (the slash will make it look like one line):


Save the file and quit the text editor.
  --ai-scenario=nimitz_demo
[[Image:Carrier4.jpg|thumb|300px|The [[FlightGear Wizard]]]]
  --carrier=Nimitz
You are now ready to start FlightGear. To position your [[aircraft]] on the carrier at startup, use the following [[Command Line Parameters|command line options]] (noting the upper-case "N") :
--aircraft=seahawk
  --carrier=Nimitz --aircraft=seahawk
or
  --carrier=Eisenhower --aircraft=seahawk


Note that several FG aircraft are carrier capable, but the [[Hawker Seahawk|Seahawk]] is possibly the easiest to fly to begin with.
The following (optional) start positions are available:
--parkpos=cat-1
--parkpos=cat-2
--parkpos=cat-3
--parkpos=cat-4
--parkpos=park-1


If you are using the Windows or OSX launcher to run FG, you should find a text entry box in the gui that allows you to specify command line options, add the above options there. Linux or Cygwin users can just add them to their usual startup command; ``fgfs --carrier=Nimitz --aircraft=seahawk'. Please note the uppercase ``N' in ``Nimitz'.
Note
* If you also specify an airport (e.g. <tt>--airport=KSFO</tt>) then the carrier will be available, but your flight will start at the chosen airport!
* Uppercase N in <tt>--carrier=Nimitz</tt>.


In the [[FlightGear Wizard]]: go to Advanced... > Propeties and make a new property with
=== From command line (Version 2019.1) ===
sim/ai/scenario[0]=nimitz_demo --carrier=Nimitz


With version 1.0.0 there comes a special box for the carriers on the Airport selection page of the Wizard.
For versions 2019.1 and later:
--carrier=Nimitz
--aircraft=seahawk


==Takeoff==
The following (optional) start positions are available:
[[Image:Carrier1.jpg|thumb|300px|The [[Hawker Seahawk|Seahawk]] aircraft ready for takeoff]]
--carrier-position=cat-1
Once FlightGear has started, you should ensure that the parking brakes are off, ease the plane a little way down the catapult pressing ``L' to engage the launchbar (this might be best done from an external view initially.) You should notice the aircraft being pulled into alignment with the catapult and see the strops appear and hold down the aircraft. This will only happen if your aircraft is close enough to the correct spot on the catapult; as a rough guide, for the default parking position the seahawk's nose should be rougly level with the deck observation bubble.
--carrier-position=cat-2
--carrier-position=cat-3
--carrier-position=cat-4
  --carrier-position=park-1


To get the carrier into as good a position as possible for launch, select the ``ATC/AI' menu, then check the ``Turn into wind' box under the ``AI Carrier' section.
Note
* If you also specify an airport (e.g. <tt>--airport=KSFO</tt>) then the carrier will be available, but your flight will start at the chosen airport!
* Uppercase N in <tt>--carrier=Nimitz</tt>.
 
 
=== From command line (Version 2020.1 and later) ===
 
For versions 2019.1 and later:
--carrier=Nimitz
--aircraft=seahawk
 
The following (optional) start positions are available:
--carrier-position=cat-1
--carrier-position=cat-2
--carrier-position=cat-3
--carrier-position=cat-4
--carrier-position=park-1
 
You can also start at the 180 "abeam" positition (<tt>--carrier-position=abeam</tt>) or on the final approach to land (<tt>--carrier-position=FLOLS</tt>).  In both cases, you will need to set an offset distance, e.g. <tt>--offset-distance=1</tt>.
 
Note
* If you also specify an airport (e.g. <tt>--airport=KSFO</tt>) then the carrier will be available, but your flight will start at the chosen airport!
* Uppercase N in <tt>--carrier=Nimitz</tt>.
 
== Takeoff ==
[[File:Carrier1.jpg|thumb|300px|The [[Hawker Seahawk|Seahawk]] aircraft ready for takeoff]]
 
(Please note: the keys mentioned in this chapter might vary between aircraft. Have a look in the specific aircraft's help menu.)
 
Once FlightGear has started, you should ensure that the parking brakes are off, ease the plane a little way down the catapult pressing {{key press|Shift|L}} to engage the launchbar (hold for several seconds until given "Engaged" feedback; this might be best done from an external view initially.) You should notice the aircraft being pulled into alignment with the catapult and see the strops appear and hold down the aircraft. This will only happen if your aircraft is close enough to the correct spot on the catapult; as a rough guide, for the default parking position the seahawk's nose should be roughly level with the deck observation bubble.
 
To get the carrier into as good a position as possible for launch, select the <tt>AI > AI Objects</tt> menu and there choose the carrier to bring up the related window. Then check the "Turn to launch course" box (in older FG versions it is <tt>AI > Carrier Controls</tt> menu).
 
You should now notice the carrier begin to pick up speed and turn into the wind, and naturally the deck may tilt somewhat as it turns. You should wait for this manoeuvre to finish and the deck to return to level before moving on to the next stage.


You should now notice the carrier begin to pick up speed and turn into the wind, and naturally the deck may tilt somewhat as it turns. You should wait for this maneuver to finish and the deck to return to level before moving on to the next stage.
[[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]]
Being engaged to the catapult, you should spool up the engines to full power, ensure the brakes are off and that all flight controls are in a suitable position for launch. When ready, press ``C' to release the catapult. Your aircraft will be hurled forward off the deck, and you should be able to raise the undercarriage and climb slowly away, being careful to avoid stalling.
[[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]]
 
Being engaged to the catapult, you should spool up the engines to full power, ensure the brakes are off and that all flight controls are in a suitable position for launch. When ready, press {{key press|Shift|C}} to release the catapult. Your aircraft will be hurled forward off the deck, and you should be able to raise the undercarriage and climb slowly away, being careful to avoid stalling.
 
== Locating the carrier ==
Actually finding the carrier in a vast expanse of open water can be very difficult, especially if visibility is poor. To assist with this task, the carriers are equipped with [[TACAN]], which allows a suitably-equipped aircraft (Seahawk at present) to obtain a range and bearing to the carrier.
 
First, you must set the appropriate TACAN channel (e.g. 029Y cf. below) in the radios dialogue ({{key press|Ctrl|R}} or choose <tt>Equipment > Radio Settings</tt> from the menu). You should, if within range, notice the [[DME]] instrument show your distance from the carrier, and the [[ADF]] instrument (next to the DME in the seahawk) should indicate a bearing to the carrier. Turn to the indicated heading and you should see the DME dial indicate you're closing in on the carrier.
 
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
| '''Carrier''' || '''Scenario''' || '''TACAN''' || '''Directions''' || '''Remarks'''
|-
| Nimitz (CVN-68) || nimitz_demo || 029Y || Fly WNW from KSFO close to the bridge || Actually you get also the Eisenhower ca. 10 nm SSW of LFTH if you specify --carrier=Eisenhower instead of --carrier=Nimitz.
|-
| Vinson (CVN-70) || vinson_demo || 029X || Fly ca. 60 nm West from KSFO || Detailed ship with warships around. In menu <tt>AI > Carrier Controls</tt> you can choose 'Enable deck park' in order to have a more crowded deck.
|-
| Truman (CVN-75) || truman_demo || 031X || 35nm east of Honolulu PHNL || USS Harry S.Truman (CVN-75) is a highly detailed model, and may cause significant degradation of the framerate.  Truman demo comes with several escorts.
|-
| Eisenhower (CVN-69, "Ike") || eisenhower_demo || 030Y || Fly East from KNTU ||
|-
| Clemenceau (R98, "le clem") || clemenceau_demo || 026Y || Fly South from LFTH ||
|-
| Foch (R99) || foch_demo || 026X || Fly South from LFTH || FG 2016.x and earlier: foch model is missing!!
|-
| San Antonio || sanantonio_demo || 028X || 20nm west of San Diego ||
|}
 
== Creating a new scenario ==
If you want to have e.g. carrier Vinson in another location, in [[FGData]] go to directory 'AI' and copy file vinson_demo.xml to e.g. vinson_lebl.xml (putting the carrier between airport LEBL close to Barcelona/Spain and the island Palma with a vast range. Open the file in a text editor. Then change latitude to e.g. 40.6 and longitude to e.g. 2.2. Then set the following values giving the carrier a large area for navigation (and some more headache to you to find it):
  <max-lat>2.00</max-lat>
  <min-lat>1.00</min-lat>
  <max-long>0.40</max-long>
  <min-long>0.50</min-long>


==Land==
== Landing ==
Actually finding the carrier in a vast expanse of open water can be very difficult, especially if visibility is poor. To assist with this task, the carriers are equipped with [[TACAN]], which allows a suitably-equipped aircraft (Seahawk at present) to obtain a range and bearing to the carrier. First, you must set the appropriate TACAN channel, 029Y in this case, in the radios dialogue (ctrl-r or choose Equipment/Radio Settings from the FG [[menubar]]). You should, if within range, notice the DME instrument show your distance from the carrier, and the ADF instrument (next to the DME in the seahawk) should indicate a bearing to the carrier. Turn to the indicated heading and you should see the DME dial indicate your closing in on the carrier.
This is the most difficult part of the operation, as in real life. You might well find Andy Ross' [[A-4F Skyhawk Operations Manual]] useful here. There is also a detailed [[Howto:Carrier_Landing|carrier landing howto for the F-14 Tomcat]].


This is the most difficult part of the operation, as in real life. You might well find Andy Ross' [[A-4F Skyhawk Operations Manual]] useful here.  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 Help/Aircraft Help 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.
[[Image: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.


Carrier landings are often described as ``controlled crashes' and you shouldn't waste your time attempting to flare and place the aircraft gently on the deck like you would with a conventional landing - ensuring that you catch the wires is the main thing.
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 15 degrees (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 400 feet 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]]
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.


Immediately your wheels touch the deck, you should open the throttles to full power, in case you have missed the wires and need to ``go around' again; the wires will hold the aircraft if you have caught them, even at full power.
Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed at first with carrier landings - it's not an easy manoeuvre to master. If after a little practice you find the Seahawk too easy, you could move on to the Seafire for more of a challenge!


If you wish, you can then (with 0.9.10 and later) raise the elevators from the ATC/AI menu, taxy onto one of the elevators, lower it (uncheck the box on the menu and don't worry, they are VERY slow...) and taxy off into the hangar.
[[File:F14 approaching Nimitz.jpg|300px|thumb|F14 Approaching the carrier: flaps set, hook lowered, watch the FLOLS lights from distance]]


Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed at first with carrier landings - it's not an easy maneouver to master. If after a little practice you find the Seahawk too easy, you could move on to the Seafire for more of a challenge!
=== Touchdown ===
Carrier landings are often described as "controlled crashes" and you shouldn't waste your time attempting to flare and place the aircraft gently on the deck like you would with a conventional landing - ensuring that you catch the wires is the main thing.


==Related content==
Immediately your wheels touch the deck, you should open the throttles to full power, in case you have missed the wires and need to go around again; the wires will hold the aircraft if you have caught them, even at full power.
 
=== Deck elevators ===
 
[[File:F14 Nimitz going down with elevator.jpg|300px|thumb|Carrier operations: going to lower deck on elevator]]
 
If you wish, you can then (with 0.9.10 and later) raise the elevators from the carrier menu by putting a check mark in the "Operate deck elevators" box, taxi onto one of the elevators, lower it (uncheck the box, and don't worry, they are VERY slow...) and taxi off into the hangar.
 
Basically "Operate deck elevators" checked means that the deck elevators are at the carrier deck level, and unchecked means that they are at the hangar deck level.
 
=== Tips ===
* When you get down close to the ocean, the waves might be rendered wrong, which can be very disturbing. You can lower the ALS rendering settings for Water just a bit to get rid of that.
 
== Gallery ==
 
With the USS Harry S. Truman, there's now a highly detailed aircraft carrier model in Flightgear which takes the carrier ops experience to a new level.
 
<gallery mode="packed">
Truman01.jpg | Approaching USS Harry S. Truman
Truman02.jpg | Inside the hangar deck
Truman03.jpg | Taxiing across the flightdeck with the Hawkeye
Truman04.jpg | Taxiing across the flightdeck with the Hawkeye
Truman05.jpg | Early-morning takeoff with the EC-135
Truman06.jpg | Early-morning takeoff with the EC-135
Truman07.jpg | Catapult launch of the F-14b
Truman08.jpg | Approach with deck lights on
Truman09.jpg | Rain on the flightdeck
Truman10.jpg | Using the elevator
</gallery>
 
== Related content ==
* [[Carrier over MP]] to find out how you could control the carrier and/or use the carrier over the multiplayer network.
* [[Carrier over MP]] to find out how you could control the carrier and/or use the carrier over the multiplayer network.
[[de:Flugzeugträger]]
[[es:Cómo:Portaviones]]
[[fr:Howto:Carrier]]
[[pl:Lotniskowiec]]


[[Category:Howto|Carrier]]
[[Category:Howto|Carrier]]

Latest revision as of 23:08, 6 November 2022

Over the years, FlightGear has been equipped with a number of different aircraft carriers that allow pilots to simulate the entire range of carrier operations, from catapult take-offs, to "controlled crashes".

Features

The Nimitz carrier in the San Fransisco bay
  • Start FG with your chosen aircraft placed on the chosen aircraft carrier (e.g. "Nimitz" or "Eisenhower")
  • Engage the launchbar in the steam catapult
  • Have the carrier set course into the prevailing wind direction and attempt to get wind speed over the deck at a suitable value for launch
  • Launch from the deck when ready
  • Set the TACAN receiver in the aircraft to the carriers channel (e.g. 029Y) and have the heading and range to the carrier displayed on the cockpit instruments
  • Land on the deck and be halted by the arrestor cables
  • Taxi onto the deck elevators, operate them and park on the hangar deck
  • To help practise - start from either final approach to the flight deck, or from the "abeam" or "180" position.

Start at a carrier

Note that several FlightGear aircraft are carrier capable, but the Seahawk is possibly the easiest to fly to begin with. You can start FlightGear with the command line or a GUI.

NB: this guide is for aircraft carriers in AI scenarios visible only to you. If you wish to use a carrier in MultiPlayer, then Carrier over MP is for you.

From the launcher (Version 2020.1 and later)

On the Location screen, click on the "boat" button on the top right (to the right of the search bar). This will display a list of available carriers, and allow you to set the start position - either on deck or in the air.

From command line (Versions older than 2019.1)

To position your aircraft on the carrier at startup, use the following command line options beside your normal options (fg-root etc.).

Note the upper-case "N" in Nimitz and the fact that the scenario comes in front of carrier! You can copy-paste this (the slash will make it look like one line):

--ai-scenario=nimitz_demo
--carrier=Nimitz
--aircraft=seahawk

The following (optional) start positions are available:

--parkpos=cat-1
--parkpos=cat-2
--parkpos=cat-3
--parkpos=cat-4
--parkpos=park-1

Note

  • If you also specify an airport (e.g. --airport=KSFO) then the carrier will be available, but your flight will start at the chosen airport!
  • Uppercase N in --carrier=Nimitz.

From command line (Version 2019.1)

For versions 2019.1 and later:

--carrier=Nimitz
--aircraft=seahawk

The following (optional) start positions are available:

--carrier-position=cat-1
--carrier-position=cat-2
--carrier-position=cat-3
--carrier-position=cat-4
--carrier-position=park-1

Note

  • If you also specify an airport (e.g. --airport=KSFO) then the carrier will be available, but your flight will start at the chosen airport!
  • Uppercase N in --carrier=Nimitz.


From command line (Version 2020.1 and later)

For versions 2019.1 and later:

--carrier=Nimitz
--aircraft=seahawk

The following (optional) start positions are available:

--carrier-position=cat-1
--carrier-position=cat-2
--carrier-position=cat-3
--carrier-position=cat-4
--carrier-position=park-1

You can also start at the 180 "abeam" positition (--carrier-position=abeam) or on the final approach to land (--carrier-position=FLOLS). In both cases, you will need to set an offset distance, e.g. --offset-distance=1.

Note

  • If you also specify an airport (e.g. --airport=KSFO) then the carrier will be available, but your flight will start at the chosen airport!
  • Uppercase N in --carrier=Nimitz.

Takeoff

The Seahawk aircraft ready for takeoff

(Please note: the keys mentioned in this chapter might vary between aircraft. Have a look in the specific aircraft's help menu.)

Once FlightGear has started, you should ensure that the parking brakes are off, ease the plane a little way down the catapult pressing Shift+L to engage the launchbar (hold for several seconds until given "Engaged" feedback; this might be best done from an external view initially.) You should notice the aircraft being pulled into alignment with the catapult and see the strops appear and hold down the aircraft. This will only happen if your aircraft is close enough to the correct spot on the catapult; as a rough guide, for the default parking position the seahawk's nose should be roughly level with the deck observation bubble.

To get the carrier into as good a position as possible for launch, select the AI > AI Objects menu and there choose the carrier to bring up the related window. Then check the "Turn to launch course" box (in older FG versions it is AI > Carrier Controls menu).

You should now notice the carrier begin to pick up speed and turn into the wind, and naturally the deck may tilt somewhat as it turns. You should wait for this manoeuvre to finish and the deck to return to level before moving on to the next stage.

1: The takeoff part of the carrier with the catapults 2: The land part of the carrier with the wires
F-14 USS Carl Vinson Multiple Cat Launch
On Nimitz carrier: F14 locked in catapult, flaps set, full afterburner, ready for take-off

Being engaged to the catapult, you should spool up the engines to full power, ensure the brakes are off and that all flight controls are in a suitable position for launch. When ready, press Shift+C to release the catapult. Your aircraft will be hurled forward off the deck, and you should be able to raise the undercarriage and climb slowly away, being careful to avoid stalling.

Locating the carrier

Actually finding the carrier in a vast expanse of open water can be very difficult, especially if visibility is poor. To assist with this task, the carriers are equipped with TACAN, which allows a suitably-equipped aircraft (Seahawk at present) to obtain a range and bearing to the carrier.

First, you must set the appropriate TACAN channel (e.g. 029Y cf. below) in the radios dialogue (Ctrl+R or choose Equipment > Radio Settings from the menu). You should, if within range, notice the DME instrument show your distance from the carrier, and the ADF instrument (next to the DME in the seahawk) should indicate a bearing to the carrier. Turn to the indicated heading and you should see the DME dial indicate you're closing in on the carrier.

Carrier Scenario TACAN Directions Remarks
Nimitz (CVN-68) nimitz_demo 029Y Fly WNW from KSFO close to the bridge Actually you get also the Eisenhower ca. 10 nm SSW of LFTH if you specify --carrier=Eisenhower instead of --carrier=Nimitz.
Vinson (CVN-70) vinson_demo 029X Fly ca. 60 nm West from KSFO Detailed ship with warships around. In menu AI > Carrier Controls you can choose 'Enable deck park' in order to have a more crowded deck.
Truman (CVN-75) truman_demo 031X 35nm east of Honolulu PHNL USS Harry S.Truman (CVN-75) is a highly detailed model, and may cause significant degradation of the framerate. Truman demo comes with several escorts.
Eisenhower (CVN-69, "Ike") eisenhower_demo 030Y Fly East from KNTU
Clemenceau (R98, "le clem") clemenceau_demo 026Y Fly South from LFTH
Foch (R99) foch_demo 026X Fly South from LFTH FG 2016.x and earlier: foch model is missing!!
San Antonio sanantonio_demo 028X 20nm west of San Diego

Creating a new scenario

If you want to have e.g. carrier Vinson in another location, in FGData go to directory 'AI' and copy file vinson_demo.xml to e.g. vinson_lebl.xml (putting the carrier between airport LEBL close to Barcelona/Spain and the island Palma with a vast range. Open the file in a text editor. Then change latitude to e.g. 40.6 and longitude to e.g. 2.2. Then set the following values giving the carrier a large area for navigation (and some more headache to you to find it):

 <max-lat>2.00</max-lat>
 <min-lat>1.00</min-lat>
 <max-long>0.40</max-long>
 <min-long>0.50</min-long>

Landing

This is the most difficult part of the operation, as in real life. You might well find Andy Ross' A-4F Skyhawk Operations Manual useful here. There is also a detailed carrier landing howto for the F-14 Tomcat.

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 Help > Aircraft Help 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 15 degrees (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 400 feet 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.

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.

Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed at first with carrier landings - it's not an easy manoeuvre to master. If after a little practice you find the Seahawk too easy, you could move on to the Seafire for more of a challenge!

F14 Approaching the carrier: flaps set, hook lowered, watch the FLOLS lights from distance

Touchdown

Carrier landings are often described as "controlled crashes" and you shouldn't waste your time attempting to flare and place the aircraft gently on the deck like you would with a conventional landing - ensuring that you catch the wires is the main thing.

Immediately your wheels touch the deck, you should open the throttles to full power, in case you have missed the wires and need to go around again; the wires will hold the aircraft if you have caught them, even at full power.

Deck elevators

Carrier operations: going to lower deck on elevator

If you wish, you can then (with 0.9.10 and later) raise the elevators from the carrier menu by putting a check mark in the "Operate deck elevators" box, taxi onto one of the elevators, lower it (uncheck the box, and don't worry, they are VERY slow...) and taxi off into the hangar.

Basically "Operate deck elevators" checked means that the deck elevators are at the carrier deck level, and unchecked means that they are at the hangar deck level.

Tips

  • When you get down close to the ocean, the waves might be rendered wrong, which can be very disturbing. You can lower the ALS rendering settings for Water just a bit to get rid of that.

Gallery

With the USS Harry S. Truman, there's now a highly detailed aircraft carrier model in Flightgear which takes the carrier ops experience to a new level.

Related content

  • Carrier over MP to find out how you could control the carrier and/or use the carrier over the multiplayer network.