Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 38:59-42:22

Why light carriers could operate Skyhawks and Harriers but not Super Étendards

Low landing speed made the Skyhawk suitable for small CATOBAR decks, while vertical landing freed the Harrier from arresting limits; the Super Étendard approached too fast.

A-4 SkyhawkCarrier AviationCATOBARClemenceau Class Aircraft CarriersHarrier Jump JetLanding SpeedLight Fleet CarriersSuper Etendard
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Question

Why could Majestic-class carriers operate Skyhawks and Harriers but not Super Étendards?

Short answer

The Skyhawk had a low approach speed and the Harrier landed vertically, whereas the Super Étendard's high landing speed exceeded the practical limits of those decks.

Notes

Aircraft weight alone does not determine whether a small carrier can operate a type safely. The light A-4 Skyhawk combined low landing speed with modest size, while the Harrier avoided arresting-gear limits by landing vertically. The Super Étendard approached too fast and properly needed a carrier at least in the Clemenceau range. A stripped aircraft might touch down on a light fleet carrier, but it would have little go-around margin and the short catapult run and available wind over deck would not launch it again safely.