Stupid question about aircraft on Aircraft carrier?

Question

I'm a civilian so please make allowances. As I understand it, it's very dangerous to land on- and take off from - an Aircraft Carrier so why doesn't the Navy use something like a Harrier Jump jet? I think they're called a VTOL plane. Wouldn't that be safer than the usual way of landing and taking off? Don't they have the range of usual jets or is it to do with payload? Please explain!

Answer 1

Well the reason the navy does not use the harrier is because that is a marine based aircraft and all the aircraft that have the ability to land on the carrier are set up to do so i.e. tail hooks. those are used to land the aircraft on the deck of the carrier. And to launch the aircraft the aircrafts are attached to a catapult system that launches the aircraft from 0-200 mph in about 180ft. And yes there is a difference in the payload. not alot but there are some. there is not enough time to go through that. The best of the best pilot those aircraft so when you have a person that is that qualified and trained to the teeth to pilot this aircraft you dont really have to worry to much about mishaps.

Answer 2

The harrier doesn't have the range,handles like a rock, and wont carry the payload. I believe it is VSTOL. The harrier can't run with a F-15 Eagle. If it was to dangerous then they wouldn't do it but They do everyday.

Answer 3

The harrier is a smaller and lighter aircraft than people realize. And was designed to back up the marines in a somewhat close air support role. And some light bombing. Key word light. I don't think it can take off at gross weight vertically. Due to special ability it is limited by that. Good machine though.

Answer 4

Basic answer from a former sailor here. with the catapult on the carrier the planes can take a heaver load (fuel +payload) than a VTOL aircraft. these planes (non VTOL) have better performance in battle as well. the last point is the deck surface ( the coating the navy uses on the deck) can be softer and longer lasting without the jet blast directly down that a VTOL uses. Most VTOL aircraft are used by the Marines and do take of from ships that are used to transport them. in the Navy we called them Gator Freighters.

Answer 5

For the real combat situation, the Navy needs airplanes with better performance than any VTOL aircraft possesses.  And surely carrier operations are more critical or tricky than runway operations, but most carrier pilots would just chuckle if you said "very dangerous."

So is crossing the street in city traffic.  I have known several retired carrier pilots, and they would not have emphasized the risks of carrier deck operations.

Answer 6

I think the 'nut' has it covered pretty well , except I think it's VTOL......vertical take-off and land.

Answer 7

Although VTOL is a correct term you will rarely see

any Harriers or F-35's take off vertically

except at airshows.

The current term in popular use is

STOVL- short-take-off-vertical-landing.

If you've ever watched  a Harrier

landing on an Amphibious Assault Ship (LHA/LHD)

it has it's own inherent risks especially during

a vertical descent while side-slipping onto the

moving flight deck.

Answer 8

The Marines do use a VTOL..the Harrier and Lockheed is designing a version of the XF-35 to be VTOL also. But to accomplish this you have to give up range and speed and payload. That is why British aircraft carriers have a jump ramp built in....(to allow the Harrier to carry a greater payload).

Answer 9

Everybody has good points on this one.  As said, the Harrier is a Marine aircraft and doesn't meet the Navy's mission.  It was designed as a ground attack fighter, it is realitivley slow, and it's payload is rather light.  The harrier was designed to operate from the ship to a forward deployed unprepared point.  It still does this, except for the unprepared part since the jet likes to suck up tons of debris which trashes the motor.  The F-35 is due to replace it, which should make the VTOL more practical.  It is dangerous to land and takeoff from carriers, but Navy and Marine pilots are very thourghly trained to mitigate the risk, as said by the PR.  Pilots go through carrier training at advance flight school(T-45), Fleet Replacment Squadron(platform training), and continuously in the squadron.  Then when they are due for the boat, they complete work up training as well.  Finally, at the boat the continue to train.

Answer 10

VTOL vertical take-off-landing http://www.aviationearth.com/Theory/VTOL...

eg. V-22, harrier, F-35

It is slow, no great range, it is no great fighter too

check the above link