This technical pause defines the principal carrier operating systems and notes that short take-off and rolling or vertical recovery methods have historical precedents. The F-35B can use either rolling or vertical recovery depending on its landing weight, so terminology can conceal operational flexibility. Early aircraft such as the Fairey Swordfish used rolling patterns that make some supposedly novel methods look familiar. The important question is not whether a system appears new or prestigious, but whether it suits the aircraft and mission of a particular navy.
Chapter · 1:03:30-1:05:54
CATOBAR, STOBAR, and STOVL as mission choices
Launch and recovery systems are not universal rankings: CATOBAR, STOBAR, and STOVL each fit different aircraft, operational tempos, and naval requirements.