You are most welcome. As I said, the fact that 'cat and trap' isn't in the
'mainstream' is probably down to general public ignorance of naval aviation (and
defence matters in general).
Not having been in a navy and anywhere near "cat" (catapults) and "traps" (landing arrester wires) I do think that "flaps" are useful when landing on a flight deck. At least I would to add stall safety and some reduced speed when hitting the sudden stop.
What is confusing is the reference to arrester barriers for the F-35B and not the (normal) use of tailhooks. I suppose that there are tough and soft enough materials for those barriers as to cause no damage to the nose, gear and leading edges.
It also seems to me another boondoggle around the neverending developmental (and financial tab increases) problems holding up the
planned aircraft replacements by the various committed air forces.
But, what can one expect from people who buy hammers for $2000 a piece ? Of course I say this with due respect to the design engineers. It is not their fault that specs get changed all the time.
