'sandiego89' commented: "...That catapult track, especially the waist cat, looks very short. What did the stroke feel like? I had heard the short hydraulic cats on the early Essex class were especially brutal. Thanks, Dave"
Dave, the first cat shot was a shock - like having someone punch your chest will all their strength - took the wind out of my sails that's for sure. Next time I was better prepared but still got the PUNCH at around 6G. I'm told the first cat shots for a nugget/newbie/sprog are extra ooomphy to ensure they have plenty of endspeed (also they are at a light weight for carquals). Plenty of hairy stories about A4G catshots, including the first for the A4G (years earlier a USN A-4B had demonstrated an arrest & catapult off Manila I believe. The USN pilot reaction to the catshot (with extra GO I guess) on radio cannot be repeated here).
HMAS Melbourne Aircraft Carrier A4G Skyhawk Era 1967-1984
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LCDR Charles W. D. Ward, Jr. First USN A4B landing on HMAS Melbourne - 20 May 1965 (HD)
