The Disadvantages of Using Steam Catapults on Aircraft Carriers

When discussing the use of steam catapults on aircraft carriers, it is important to address the advantages and disadvantages. While they have been a cornerstone of naval aviation for decades, steam catapults also come with certain challenges and drawbacks. This article explores these disadvantages, supported by historical use and expert insights.

What Are the Specific Disadvantages?

While there are no inherent inherent disadvantages to steam catapults, their mechanical nature presents several challenges. Major William Jukich, a retired United States Marine Corps Pilot, emphasized that the primary risk is a 'cold launch' due to a failure in steam generation. This can be catastrophic, especially when conducting operations over the ocean. If the aircraft's engine power is insufficient, a cold launch can result in the aircraft failing to become airborne, potentially leading to severe damage or loss.

The Historical Context and Operations

Steam-powered catapults have been a standard on aircraft carriers since the early 1960s. The USS Forrestal (CV-59) was the first modern-day carrier to feature this technology, with subsequent carriers, such as the Essex and Midway classes, transitioning to steam catapults in the 1950s. Each carrier class has its own variant of the steam catapult, adapted to its operational requirements.

Paul Montgomery, a former Boilers Division Officer in USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), provided first-hand insights into the complexities of operating steam catapults. He highlighted that the steam catapults, which are power sumps, can consume around 20% of the carrier's steam generation capacity. This means having a significant portion of the ship's energy dedicated to the launch system. Additionally, the steam generation process requires extensive piping to warm up and drain, and the steam accumulators take a considerable amount of time to heat up to operational temperature and pressure. This can be a critical issue for ships that require frequent non-shore visits, as cold starts can compromise operational readiness.

Space and Safety Concerns

The installation of steam catapults necessitates the use of space that could otherwise be utilized for other purposes. The infrastructure required for steam generation adds an additional burden on the carrier's design and functionality. The presence of high-pressure steam also presents significant safety issues, as it is highly corrosive. This corrosion can lead to increased maintenance requirements, which can be a significant operational challenge.

Another disadvantage is the energy required for a successful catapult launch. While the imparted energy allows aircraft to take off with more fuel and cargo, this increased payload significantly boosts the range and payload capabilities. However, this also means that the aircraft is highly dependent on the ship's stability and operational readiness. If something goes wrong, the aircraft cannot launch itself without the ship's assistance, as evident from the Falklands War in 1982, where British Harriers were successfully launched from a container ship, proving the versatility of aircraft in different scenarios.

Conclusion

The deployment of steam catapults on aircraft carriers has been pivotal in naval operations for decades. While they have provided critical capabilities for launching aircraft efficiently and reliably, they also come with specific disadvantages. These include mechanical vulnerabilities, space and energy requirements, and safety concerns. As technology continues to evolve, future iterations of aircraft carriers may see a shift towards alternative launch systems that address these challenges.