Originally Posted by Peter We
Not true, but the payload/tempo maybe limited
. You have started so you can finish
Please name the type of aircraft you are thinking of?
Not only take off but also land and don't forget there are NO arrester wires. I am aware of a British fast jet taking off unassisted from a British carrier but my memory is not what it once was and I am sure this was a pre production or test aircraft that had holes drilled here there and everywhere to make it lighter, everything not needed to make the thing fly was removed and it gave a one off demonstration???
Yes the Russians do this with as you rightly say a reduced payload, BUT they also have to use an arrester wire to stop the aircraft. Our carriers lack this feature and yes it could be fitted, just like a lot of things could be fitted but the bottom line is it is not.