bunge@wam.umd.edu (Robert David Bunge) (02/13/91)
From: Robert David Bunge <bunge@wam.umd.edu> Some answers to questions about carriers that were asked some time ago. The last aircraft used by the U.S. Navy that can take off from any of the carriers without the use of a catapult is (was) the C-1a twin engine transport aircraft (seats about 14 people). Informally, this plane was known as "the COD" - for Carrier Onboard Delivery. While stationed onboard the America (1981-1985) I saw these planes take off starting from either the aft-most part of the angle deck, following a path along the angle, or from a point just forward of the island structure with a path that was just starboard (right) of the port (left) bow catapult. The angle deck was used most because it was normally clear of other planes and required little respotting (of other planes). The C-1a could also be catapulted, but required the use of a harness (a steel cable that attaches the plane to the catapult). The only planes still in use that require the harness are the EA-3 "Whale", the TA-4 Skyhawk, the T-2 Buckeye and occasional foreign aircraft of the likes of French F-8 Crusaders. Setting up the harness was a little extra work that could be avoided by deck launching the COD if the deck was clear and the wind right. The harness also requires the funny projections that (use to) stick out from the front of the carriers. The projection kept the cable from swinging under the front of the deck. Since so few fleet aircraft use the harness, I've noticed the projections have been disappearing from the ships (normally, the starboard one has been removed). Until the mid 1980s, it was normal for each carrier to have a C-1a assigned to ship's company... ie, not part of the airwing. On the America, this aircraft was known as "Miss America." The plane served as mail plane, hauled people around and was a way for pilots assigned to ship's company to maintain flight time in order to receive flight pay. I can also remember a number of re-enlistments taking place on Miss America while in flight (About the only way for an enlisted crewman to get a cat and trap). While in port, Miss America was based at a nearby air station. Miss America rarely, if ever deployed overseas with the ship. I understand most carrier captains (and the navy in general) were happy to see the CODs leave because they were the last plane to use high octane aviation gas (avgas) in their piston engines instead of JP5 jet fuel. As of 1985, the last C-1a's were being used in composite squadrons like VRC 40. The C-1a's mission has been replaced by at least two aircraft. The C-2a, a sausage with E-2 Hawkeye wings, engines (turbo-props) and tails is one. The America often had one of these attached from the local command. (While in the Indian Ocean it was out of Subic Bay). They are MUCH bigger than the C-1a and can carry about 30 people with a C-130-like rear cargo door. We also knew this plane as "the COD". The other aircraft was the US-3a, a stripped S-3a Viking. When operating in the Gulf of Oman, this was the ONLY carrier based cargo aircraft with the range to pick up mail from Diego Garcia and was a major moral booster! The US-3 was called "Miss Piggy" (even had a painting of Kermit's wife on its side!). This is the airplane that was used to transport captured terrorists from the Mediterranean Sea to the U.S. without having to stop on foreign soil. Anybody know how many US- 3s have been built? I have seen pictures of C-130s using the angle deck to launch without a catapult, but understand has only been done a couple of times because it requires so much deck space (gotta put all those other planes somewhere!). I also know the America was host to trials in 1966 of several practice landings (without tailhook!!!!) and takeoffs of a U-2. This was kept secret until just a few years ago. I was told the America was able to get enough wind over its bow that the U-2 was almost able to hover over the deck. I have heard rumors that under the right conditions, it might be possible for E-2s/C-2s and S-3s to take off using the angle deck, but I've never seen a picture of it (or heard of it being done). I also was told as originally designed the A-6 was supposed to be a STOL aircraft and not require a cat shot, but funding for the proper engine never came though and the project was dropped. A real shame in my eyes because I've always figured it would only take a couple of hits on the deck to knock out the cats (catapults) and at that point the carrier is up a small creek without any sort of a paddle. Bob Bunge, ex-Photographer's Mate 2nd Class USS America, Jan., 1981 - July, 1985 bunge@wam.umd.edu
snorthc@relay.nswc.navy.mil (Stephen Northcutt) (02/15/91)
From: snorthc@relay.nswc.navy.mil (Stephen Northcutt) Robert David Bunge <bunge@wam.umd.edu> sez The last aircraft used by the U.S. Navy that can take off from any of the carriers without the use of a catapult is (was) the C-1a twin engine transport aircraft (seats about 14 people). I was aircrew on the Kennedy and Saratoga from 1973 - 77. My aircraft the SH3-D could take off w/o cats (helo :-) ) curiously the SH3-H was so heavy it had to roll takeoff on a warm day with full fuel load. I was told the F-14s and S3s could launch with just the wind across the deck from the deck. I don't mean told like scuttlebut, but like that was the plan in case of catastrophic cat failure(s). Never saw it though. =================================================================== Stephen Northcutt (snorthc@relay.nswc.navy.mil) Cruise Missle pilot, Retired