Joining the Invincible programme in this period also meant committing to Sea Harrier. British V/STOL development made operation from a relatively short deck possible without catapults and arrested recovery. The airframe still needed strength, but its launch forces came from its own propulsion. Catapult launches imposed external pulling loads, while arrested landings imposed severe deceleration through the recovery system. These differences affected the structural demands placed on the aircraft.
Notable Point · 25:18-28:13
V/STOL aircraft and catapult airframe loads
The Sea Harrier made a short carrier deck useful while avoiding the launch and recovery loads imposed by catapults and arresting gear.