Flying the U-2 off of a carrier (?!)

[Andy44]

Well, this video is less well-known, but it's still amazing. It's a Lockheed promo film, so ignore the propaganda but dig the technical details. The real fun starts at 2:00:

 

[BHawthorne]

Man, that looks like it would be a pain in the ass. That airframe is about as non-ideal for carrier traps as anything out there. The landing gear configuration + the wing configuration... Did this version of the U2 have folding wings?

 

[KirkUnit]

Well, the U2 is basically a glider with a jet engine. Another one of Kelly Johnson's Lockheed marvels.

What I find interesting is that it appears they are launching it with the steam catapult, so the runners only hold onto the wings for a very short time, and then get out of the way REAL quick.

Hi, New here and I just thought I'd add a little something to the discussion.

The U-2 launches from the U.S.S. Ranger (CV-61) were done without using the catapult. They were just "balls to the wall" and go for it affairs!

If the cat had been used you would have seen a line of steam running up the deck ahead of the aircraft (and, the acceleration would have been much faster!).

In the early eighties, I was stationed on the U.S.S. Enterprise (CVN-65) and have seen more cats and traps than I can recall!

-KU

 

[ryan]

I know it has nothing to do with the subject, and is obviusly photoshopped, but it's funny all the same.

 

[Sky Captain]

Wow that`s awesome. Now we need a carrier addon for Orbiter where to land Ravenstars.

 

[ryan]

Wow that`s awesome. Now we need a carrier addon for Orbiter where to land Ravenstars.

I can bareley land the F/A-18 on the USS Hornett on Kev Shandows add-on

 

[Sky Captain]

I can bareley land the F/A-18 on the USS Hornett on Kev Shandows add-on

I just found it on Orbithanger, when I get home I will have to try landing a Ravenstar on carrier.