Would catapult launch and arrested recovery require major changes to the Panavia Tornado?
Short answerThe airframe, especially aft, would need strengthening for a tailhook, and folding surfaces might be required for carrier stowage.
NotesStructural reinforcement around the rear fuselage would be the first requirement. An arresting hook must transmit a violent deceleration into the aircraft without tearing its mounting away. Folding parts of the tail or wing structure could also reduce the space occupied aboard ship. Navalizing a land-based aircraft is an airframe and deck-integration problem.