How Aircraft Carrier Catapult Works?

Video Credit: Out Of Your Mind

This video shows you how the function of the catapult in the aircraft carrier.Airplanes are flying because of the lift, generated by the wings and, sometimes, body. When the airflow around the wings is sufficient, the difference in pressure below and above wings becomes lift and the aircraft takes off. That airflow is generated by airplane moving forward on a runway or, in this case, on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier. Some aircraft carriers don’t have catapults. Instead, airplanes accelerate by themselves and use skii jumps to gain some altitude. However, more advanced aircraft carriers are using catapult systems, which are so powerful they can generate enough speed for the aircraft to take off.

Of course, airplanes ready to take off have their engines running and powered up. Even though catapult by itself is enough to generate enough speed for take off, to continue flying airplanes need their engines. If they malfunctioned or were not running for some reason, a jet fighter would be flying like a paper plane – just as far as catapult’s energy would carry it. And catapults are very powerful.