Crank the "V" and stand by...Go Navy!!

[mockingbird812]

Hey Chuck,

This was a typical launch and recovery aboard a USN Nimitz Class Super Carrier in an F/A-18 Hornet - most likely an F/A-18C (single seater). The G forces on the pilot are evident when watching his eyes (particularly the elongating flesh below them). A typical "cat shot" exposes the pilot to an acceleration of about 0-165mph in about 2 seconds. Notice during launch that his right hand is holding a hand-hold. Normally in a conventional take off the the right hand is on the stick, but during a carrier launch the aircraft is trimmed for a carrier takeoff and if the hand were held on the stick the excessive G forces would cause erratic inputs causing catastrophic results. Throttles are set to afterburner (left hand). Excessive Gs are also evident with the vapors noted on the wings. What is impressive with this naval aviator and most others is how cool, calm, and collected he is when recovering to the deck of the carrier. Notice his gaze is to his left as he approaches the deck of the carrier. He is only watching his LSO or landing signal officer who is God to him at that point and is telling him precisely what to do wrt his landing. The LSO grades each landing and a perfect landing is an "OK 3 wire". No small feat when you add rain, winds, pitching deck, and returning from a 2.5 hour combat sortie!

P.s. for all of the impressionable youngins out there, this aviator should have had his visor down, gloves on, sleeves rolled down