Problem :
Energy the arresting gear has to absorb when arresting a 40,000# F-4J flying down a 4 degree glideslope relative to the ship, flying at 143 knots with 27 knots of wind over the deck. (Standard no flarecarrierlanding) We will assume that the ship is in a level attitude.
Weight M = 40 000 LBS = 40 000 x. 45359237 kg = 18 144 kg
Horizontal component of airspeed = 143 Kts x cos4° = 142.65166 # 143 Kts
EDIT PLEASE SEE MY POST #32
Horizontal component of groundspeed = 143 - 27 = 116 Kts = 59.5 m/sec
to be absorbed by the arresting gear
Vertical component of groundspeed = 143 x sin4° = 9.97518 Kts # 10 Kts = 5.2 m/sec
to be absorbed by the landing gear
Cinetic energy to be absorbed by the arresting gear
= 1/2 x 18144 x 59.5 x 59.5 joules
= 32 112 668 joules
= 33 megajoules 
Another ?
