Q&A · 3:30:13-3:30:28

Why rocket-assisted takeoff displaced rocket catapults

Rocket catapults were considered, but damage to the carrier deck and launch run favored rockets attached to the aircraft instead.

Aircraft Carriers Aircraft Catapults Naval Aviation Rocket-Assisted Take-Off

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Question

Were rocket catapults ever considered or tested on aircraft carriers?

Short answer

Yes, but rocket-assisted takeoff was preferred because rocket catapults damaged the deck and launch run.

Notes

Rocket-powered catapults were considered and tested for carrier aviation. Navies preferred rocket-assisted takeoff because the catapult approach damaged the deck and launch run. The need for extra launch energy did not require building that energy source permanently into the ship.