Match the flight deck to aircraft and operational aims

STOBAR uses a ski jump and arrested recovery, allowing heavier landing weights without a catapult. CATOBAR can launch and recover the heaviest aircraft, but catapult launches and arrested landings impose major stresses on airframes. STOVL aircraft can launch rapidly and recover to several deck positions with less dependence on ship machinery. Their exhaust creates serious heat loads, and aircraft choice is restricted by the small number of suitable types. Steam or electromagnetic catapults add demanding power and support systems, so no deck arrangement is automatically best for every navy.