Kuznetsov appeared to open a more credible carrier phase for the Soviet Navy. Its aircraft took off under their own power, as on the smaller carrier types used for comparison. Recovery used arresting equipment. The combination allowed a heavier landing than relying on vertical recovery and explains the practical distinction behind STOBAR.
Chapter · 4:31:08-4:31:56
Kuznetsov combined short takeoff with arrested recovery
Kuznetsov's STOBAR arrangement combined aircraft-powered takeoff with arrested recovery and a higher recovery weight.