Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:55:20-2:56:10

Why the Brodie landing system did not suit cruiser scouts

The Brodie cable system was considered for cruisers, but long-range reconnaissance aircraft were heavier than the light liaison types that used it successfully.

Brodie Landing SystemCruiser AviationLanding Ship TankReconnaissance AircraftStinson L 5 Sentinel
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Question

Was the Brodie landing system ever considered for cruisers?

Short answer

Yes, but cruiser reconnaissance aircraft were generally too heavy compared with the light liaison aircraft for which the system proved more practical.

Notes

The Brodie system allowed an aircraft to hook onto a suspended cable without a conventional flight deck. Designers considered cruiser applications and carried the concept far enough for serious tests. Its practical shipboard examples favored very light aircraft such as the Stinson L-5 Sentinel on landing ships. Long-range cruiser scouts were heavier, making the recovery loads and handling problem much less attractive.