CATOBAR

Flight deck of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, showing catapult layout
Catapult launches aboard USS Ronald Reagan

CATOBAR (catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery[1] or catapult-assisted take-off barrier arrested recovery[2]) is a system used for the launch and recovery of aircraft from the deck of an aircraft carrier. Under this technique, aircraft launch using a catapult-assisted take-off and land on the ship (the recovery phase) using arrestor wires.

Although this system is costlier than alternative methods, it provides greater flexibility in carrier operations, since it imposes less onerous design elements on fixed wing aircraft than alternative methods of launch and recovery such as STOVL or STOBAR, allowing for a greater payload for more ordnance and/or fuel. CATOBAR can launch aircraft that lack a high thrust to weight ratio, including heavier non-fighter aircraft such as the E-2 Hawkeye and Grumman C-2 Greyhound.[3][4][5]

  1. ^ RICHARD SCOTT (June 8, 2023), "U.K. Considering Adding Catapults, Arresting Gear to Aircraft Carriers", USNI News
  2. ^ DZIRHAN MAHADZIR (May 1, 2024), "Chinese Aircraft Carrier Fujian Leaves for First Set of Sea Trials", USNI News
  3. ^ "How Effective Will China's Carrier-Based Fighters Be?". Archived from the original on 2012-04-27. Retrieved 2017-08-15.
  4. ^ "US-India Collaboration on Aircraft Carriers: A Good Idea?". Archived from the original on 2015-05-19. Retrieved 2021-02-12.
  5. ^ "Indian Navy seeks EMALS system for second Vikrant-class aircraft carrier". 29 May 2013. Archived from the original on 2017-08-15. Retrieved 2015-01-08.