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ABE3 here. Cat Captain for Cat 3 on IKE ('92-'93). 30 years past, and I can still explain every step of the process. E-2/C-2 launches were exciting... the props were literally feet away from your face. Great vid. Thanks for the memories!
Carrier takeoffs are incredible, so much happening all at once, perfectly choreographed to give everyone as much information as they need to carry out their task, and incredibly efficient
Nighpaw and don't forget the SOUNDS! I watched from the island of the USS Essex a few times in the mid "50's and even from that distance the noise was deafening!
@@bryanst.martin7134 Exactly correct! At our first carrier to carrier battle at Midway it took almost 2 hours to launch the entire strike force. It was truly a fiasco. By the end of the war when we had like 30 carriers and experienced pilots, we could spit a strike force out in under thirty minutes. At what history calls the Marianas Turkey Shoot, we took out like 400 Japanese planes to our 29 losses. Practice makes perfect and you practice how you fight. That's why we are second to none on, in or above any ocean!
I was a Photographers Mate on the USS Nimitz for four years, and I spent many hours taking cat shot photos from that position. It’s something you DON’T get used to!
SUCH A COOL POV! I was a line tech for 4.5 years, loved using hand signals!!!! Keep up the great content, love the little blurbs explaining the details of what's going on!
Yes, absolutely! Now I know HOW these aircraft are marshalled to lineup with the catapult shuttle (little right, little right, MORE right) - awesome little details the Chinese are going to have to learn in order to do it right.
As an Aussie, I love watching our American friends launching the big birds of the deck, just something special about it, thanks for sharing with us, and safe travels
Rob, I really appreciate your videos. My Dad started flying TBF/Ms in 1950 and finished up in Grumman S-2's (sort of mini C-2's) in the mid-60's, flying ASW the whole time. We have some shaky, silent 8 mm films from some of his cruises. Your high res videos bring those films to life. One small caveat though, my Dad's cruises were limited to Casablanca class carriers, none of the nuclear flat tops. Greatest day of my early childhood was walking through a hangar full of folded up S-2s at the Norfolk NAS in the early 60's. I can still remember the smell of all that mechanical grease. No better perfume int he world!
The Lockheed Martin S-3A🛩 Vikings replaced the Grumman S-2 Trackers🛫. I 👨🔧was in the S3-A squadren, "VS-33 Screwbirds"🔩🐦 With Carrier Airwing 9✈ aboard the USS Nimitz 🛳 & was stationed at NASNI🏝, SanDiego🌇🏙🌃! Thankya for sharing the video. . . . "Salute", sir👨✈️!Welcome 🇺🇸home🇺🇲, Brother!
To add a bit of clarity to the replies here: The S-2F (Stoof) Tracker was the shipboard ASW version of the C-1A Trader, commonly called the COD. The newer COD, the C-2A(R) Greyhound, is shown here in this video. The E-1 Tracer was the AEW version, a sister airframe to the Tracker and Trader, and carried a large radome over its fuselage, earning it the moniker "Stoof with a Roof".
@Doc Holliday Negative, the S-2F Tracker was the "Stoof" (S-2F = SSS-TOO-FFF = STOOF), performing the carrier-based ASW mission. With its radome over the fuselage, the E-1A Tracer was the "Stoof with a Roof", with the mission of AEW. The C-1 Trader was of course "the COD". At least one time in carrier aviation history when Big Navy's pipe dream of maximizing airframe commonality actually came true!
One of the most hostile dangerous alien workplaces. I couldn’t even begin to list the lethal threats to life because I haven’t the wit to recognise them, let alone the reactions and skills to avoid them. Death comes suddenly on that deck. I have nothing but admiration for all the sailors and aircrew who work every day and night at that peak of danger and attainment. I know I couldn’t.
Swivel head is important. I worked night ops in an F-4 squadron. I was in between the JBD and the bird waiting for the turkey feathers to open up all the way. Then I’d lift my flashlight.
As an ex sailor on HMAS Melbourne, Australia's aircraft carrier, l served on it for 2 and a half years. Watching this video still brings back soo many good memories and excitement while serving.
I don't think so, top fuel dragster 330 mph in under 4 sec in 1000 ft that planes doing no where near 330 mph coming off the carrier. the planes are big and heavy and impressive but not faster acceleration
1971 I was stationed at Cubi Point Phillipines with VRC-50. I went there to replace one of the 22+ sailor’s who lost their lives on a C-2A. It was lost flying to a fleet aircraft carrier stationed at Yankee Station Vietnam. I was there 6 months and all C-2A’s were down, we only maintained them and they never flew. Scuttle Butt said rescue craft only found a floating escape hatch. “RIP” all aboard!
I was with VR 30 out of both alameda and north island, in 1976-1979 decommissioned An gave the dc9 to 50+55 moved to north island. Lots of stories and memories
A lot of people say, and mean, that they apperceive our brave service members. My brother is retired NAVY and, at 51 years old, i have the pride in him like a kid looks up to his big brother. What you do can't be properly explained. It can only be truly appreciated by actual experience. A video like this doesn't do your sacrifice justice. However, it does bring an added and, in my opinion, necessary perspective. Thank You so very much.
That's the stop, drop and grab something that don't let you get sucked in thing. I had to do that once when I found myself looking down the throat of a turning A6. I wrapped myself around the nose gear and hung on for dear life. I submitted a SRC to change rates from AT to ET and retired a CPO. To hell with planes!😂😂
Hey Rob, I was avionics/final checker for VMFA-323 on the Connie. Props to the final checkers for having to be behind that massive wind tunnel! I was almost knocked off of my feet, hanging on to the Hornet's nose wheelwell on one of the elevators while a Greyhound or Hawkeye was on the cat ready to launch. Love those birds!
Really envy you guys. I joined the Navy in 91, ended up in the oil lab and then one of the last boiler techs. You guys had some serious excitement. I did however love being involved with UNREPS. Thanks for your service fellas. USS COMSTOCK LSD 45
@@guitrich it's partly due to the flattened perspective of the camera lens, but being anywhere near in the direct line of those things feels like looking down a gun barrel! They're a bit back from the nose, but it's still pretty nearby, especially if the aircraft could lurch forward at any moment.
@@LayneBenofsky I'd be more scared about the catapult, that thing can launch those aircrafts like they are roller-coasters. I wouldn't want to be anywhere near both though!
I love how the sound of the props changed when it launched. From under load to almost no load! Why I love the sound of the Q400 when it's taxiing around an airport. Feathering the props is such a nice sound.
I worked as a gas pumper during college summers. As a start-up pilot with Air Oregon. In ~1977, my Dad flew Piper Navajos, that I taxied and cleaned on Sunday evenings at the FBO. He quickly went to early Metroliners with a rocket engine in the tail. Transitioned to screaming Rolls Royce engined F-27s. Then into the short hot-rod early Dash 8s. I loved the sound of that plane and he loved flying it until he was forced to retire at 60. He wasn't happy. The Q-400 is a great airplane but it just doesn't have the go-fast looking lines of the early Dash-8s. I think the early Dash-8s are all gone now in commercial use. Dad passed in 2016. I still miss him. Lots of people don't believe me that the early Metroliners had a Rocket in the tail. Including Reserve USAF pilots. FYI. From Air Oregon Website: In 1974, the original Metro models were replaced by the SA226-TC Metro II after about 20 Metros and about 30 Merlin IVAs had been built.[note 2] Among the changes made were larger, squared-oval windows and optional provision for a small Rocket-Assisted Take Off (RATO) rocket in the tail cone, this being offered to improve takeoff performance out of "hot & high" airfields in the event of an engine failure.
@@msmeyersmd8 Air Inuit here in Québec still use the dash 8's. Even the 737 200's. There are gravel runways still in northern Québec. There is a company in Newfoundland turning the dash 8's into cargo planes.
@@HuckThis1971 Thanks for the info. I've seen a video about the early 737s with a nose wheel kit added to keep gravel from the runways from being thrown up and into the engine intakes. I think it was about Canadian Northern Territories. I always loved watching the bucket reversers being deployed on those early 737s. I'm glad to know the Dash-8s are still soldiering on. After all they were Canadian built airplanes with Canadian PT-6 engines (I think). When new they were perfect for short hops throughout the Pacific Northwest with Air Oregon/Horizon Airlines. Are any of the 4-engine Dash-7s still operating in Canada?
Merry Christmas Commander! Having served Three Med cruises on the USS Independence CV-62, the flight deck is a very very dangerous place to work. Having been on the Helm, I have seen things happen that I wish I had not. Lost life that still haunts me to this day. Prayers for all Navy pilots for a safe return from deployment. Blessings from Michigan.
Thank you for your service 🫡❤ my dad served on USS Bon Home Richard in the late 40s...sad stories. Butmy son serves .2 tours Afghanistan about to get out. And now my grand daughter!!! Im so proud.
I never got to launch our S-3s but I did get to do it shore-side. Walking out with the final checkers was AMAZING! Being that close to the engines was AWESOME but never dangerous. We trained safety, safety, safety. Best time I'm the Navy at VS-41!
I never thought watching a carrier launch would be this exciting and informative. Thank you, Rob. I'm jealous of the fact that you, one day, could become a wonderful instructor for those lucky students, judging from your ability to narrate and make flying fun.
I got scared when I saw that tag on the screen. I'm thinking, geez, do we really need annoying background music. Just let us hear the noise in all its glorious wonder. But ok, for a 'technical difficulties, please stand by' reason, I was fine with it. I wish other aviation channels would knock it off with the background music while they are telling us about this or that incident. Just talk, no music. So, I'm now gonna sub, cause I want to see more of this great stuff.
I was USAF ...You navy guys don't mess around... One of my close friends served on a carrier for a couple weeks back in the 80's he told me about the C2's Amazing prop craft...Thanks for the upload...Very cool perspective...My buddy said nighttime was terrifying They lost two men during the brief time...
Me: 57, 715 TT, Comm., Multi. Lost medical. What you guys (and some gals) do is nothing short of amazing. I had trouble enough hitting two miles of stationary concrete. I can barely imagine a carrier landing. So cool. Thank you for your skill and professionalism. I just stumbled upon your channel and subscribed instantly.
I used to be a green shirt (that's the ABE's they work on the catapults and arresting gear) Longest workdays I've ever experienced, but never boring. That pov looks like its from the QA pit where the white shirts stand and make sure no one does anything dumb.
I got to go on the midway right before you guys decommissioned. We were grabbing parts for our boiler. So cool to be on that old girl while she was still in service.
Rob answered below, but when on the deck you really do not see the props spinning. Scarier than being around jets. E2's, C2's even C-1's were not to be trifled with.... nor tail rotors for that matter.
I used to catch a ride on that plane after assisting pilots with our A6's intruder squadron back in the '70's. Shout out to VA-34 BlueBlasters, Oceana, Virginia
Love the old Greyhound! Was an A/C Mech on them and the E2B & C from 1976 to 1993, NADEP NI when there was only 12 C2's in the fleet. Was involved with the SLEP on all 12. Great aircraft to work on! GO NAVY!
For all the hype the fighters and bombers get I've always felt the badassest guys in the fleet are the E2C and C2 drivers, it's often overlooked just how badass it is to take off a d land a transport sized TP fixed wing on a ship. Had I to do it all over I would sign up as one of those who dreams of a C2 posting rather than flying a fighter.
My former CO from the USS Saratoga was the pilot who landed and took off from the Forrestal in a C-130. He spent most of his career as a fighter pilot, though.
For so many reasons, it clearly takes a LOT of intestinal fortitude to work on the deck of an aircraft carrier - especially when you have to be that close to spinning props!! Utmost respect to ALL who serve & protect!
Those propellers only appear to be turning slowly because of the video frame rate, but you can tell the power level being applied was quite high even when hooking up to the catapult. I kept wincing at what those props would do to a body and how close the ground crew was to them. But professionalism will tell… plane launched and no injuries! Awesome job!!
Thanks for that, this is the first time anyone has told us what is going on as it happens. Really interesting stuff. It would be good to know how people are trained to be safe there as it strikes me as one very dangerous work place. All through the video I thought he is very close to the props.
Nice work inserting the explanatory mini text! Helps non FD viewers understand that every second something is going on AND that every second needs to be alert to stay alive!
I served on the Lexington in the late 60s tad from vt-21 for car quals I was an ams on f-9 .they hooked to the cat with a bridle. Worked on the flight deck as a checker.id do it Ina heartbeat again and I'm 75. .
Are you an aircraft owner and need to sell your plane? I'll make an awesome video of your airplane to post on my TH-cam channel to help get it SOLD! Send me an email if you want to learn more: rob@royalaviationgroup.com
My Dad..."The Colonel" was a 30 year USAF Officer, 12 of those years as a Pilot with Hickam AFB on Oahu being one of the Best Tours our family experienced! Ended up in Ohio, down the road from Wright Patterson in The Gem City! I very much appreciate this channel for all the memories it conjures up in my Brain Rolodex. Cheers and Salute
My son was stationed on the JFK. I was allowed to fly from Mayport FL to the Boat as it was headed to Virginia on her final trip. Landing was so excited I can only imagine what it's like to be shot off it. I have been addicted to flying ever since.
Oh yes you can! Even my dad got closer during a Tiger Cruise when, as hookup PO I let him crawl under a Tomcat with me and he installed the “holdback bar”.
Awesome!! I was a green shirt too, cat 1 on the Enterprise then gear on the Roosevelt. My dad got to enjoy flight ops in the tower by the air boss on his tiger cruise.... Good times
When your young you think you'd like to work on a carrier for a few years to make money for college. Then you watch this video of a guy standing just a few feet from a spinning propeller. I can't imagine do that in the dark or in war time. I wouldn't want to be the stuff that hits the fan.
My dad worked on the E2 for 30 years at grumman in bethpage ny. I got to sit on the guardrail of their runway while 2 did a mock carrire take off. Full power, brakes locked. Props 0 deg, then they let go. Boom off in less than 300 ft with no cat! Truly amazing...I was 3 feet from the runway edge. Also saw the vertical stab of the shuttle challenger hanging by a crane....so absolutely huge!
Want some cool pilot merch for your collection? robroy.myspreadshop.com/all It's the best way to support my channel and my personal favorite is the "Mustachio" patch!
I was an LSE on a frigate, FFG43. Landing helos on small deck was a rush sometimes, always enjoyed it, except the time a Japanese’s pilot used us for quads, we had to dive into the safety nets.
Damn fine video, and I enjoyed the “five second break” with elevator music! Just one question: I thought that most multi-engined propeller aircraft have their props “handed” (engines on one wing rotating clock-wise and on the other wing counter-clock-wise) to help reduce asymmetrical lift/torque? Is that not the case? ‘Cos it looks like they’re both turning the same direction, unless it’s a “trick” of the video camera’s frame rate? Thanks!
Nope, you saw it correctly. These props turn the same direction and as far as I know, most if not all props on multi engine planes turn the same direction... So with 4,800 shaft horsepower on each engine on the C-2, we are CONSTANTLY putting in a full boot of rudder.
@@flyrobroy it's a maintenance simplification thing. Only having the props spin one direction means only having: One set of replacement blades One set of turbine blades One set of gearbox components One set of engines One set of miscellaneous bits and bobs One work manual for that aircraft You have to double at minimum the propeller blade count, the miscellaneous bits, the manuals and training, and either the turbine bits/engines or the gearboxes (gearboxes are how the A400 has contra-rotating blades). It might make her a little harder to fly at full thrust, but it'll make her a thousand times easier to maintain for the shops.
That was exactly one of the things they had to worry about when they dropped the nuclear weapons on Japan. They had to make a right hand turn so the torque from the engines would help them get turned around quicker.
@@flyrobroy Good to know- thanks for the answer! Do you mind if I ask what was your favorite aircraft you got to fly, and what would be on your short list of planes you’ve always wanted to fly? And thank you for your service!
The deck of any US Aircraft Carrier is truly one of the most dangerous places in the world!!! I am glad as hell I was a damn ground pounder. You folks are freaking nuts and have massive balls to be working in that environment.
I love the guy up by the nose, so close to the spinning props doing his work. Then as soon as the plane is at the point it could be inadvertently launched he's outta there (of course)!
I used to fly a lot as a PP + IFR rating. I thought I had a hot rod with my Red Marchetti SF 260 M. ExLibyan military trainer experimental import. After watching this. I see infinite levels beyond my land bound piston military trainer. Time compression. No room for error. Everybody in the right place and accounted for. Amazing stuff. And then...you're instantly flying. Amazing to watch. I really love those mean looking 8 bladed props. Too cool for school. 😎👍🏻🇺🇸
Pretty cool, never been that close to a launch. But I used to pick you guys up out of the water when you missed. I felt safer that way! Thanks for bringing back 40 year old memories.
I spent six years in the U.S. Army as a UH-60 helicopter repairer/crewchief. Joined straight out of high school. I worked on them and flew missions in them. It was very nice and exciting, even if the work hours were long and all over the place. I always did my job to the best of my ability and gave 100% effort, and was very grateful that the Army trusted my 19 year-old self with my own bird. However, despite the aforementioned, I never felt not even a fraction of how cool or professional the Navy guys look to me working on the deck of an aircraft carrier. I always felt so mundane and regular. 😄
My father was the fuel officer on board the Kittyhawk (CV-63). He was also a flight instructor, and a pilot (planes, not jets). Thank you, for showing me a view I had never gotten. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗👍🏻💯💖💋🇺🇸
That was a really cool video & love the text inserts. I served on the IKE (1985 & 1989) & Forrestal (1987) in the AIMD, operating the VAST & CAT-IIID, but only as a USNR attached to VAW-78 within CAG-20. I enjoyed my time aboard ship as an AT1.
That was freaking awesome. Never been on a Aircraft Carrier. But I’ve been right next to Nitro Powered Dragsters. I imagine it’s a close second. The force all most blew me off the landing. Why you don’t mess with America. Our military is second to none when it comes to getting the job done. We don’t mess around.
Ground guiding MRAP/MAXPROs as an E5 to E2-E4s driving was stressful as hell, I can't fathom the stress of being a ground guide for O1-O4 Naval Aviators driving a jet on a floating city that is constantly having an earthquake.
So proud of our seamen and women. Just kids for crying out loud, and AWESOME at it. You need to know how much you are appreciated. Now, stay safe and eat your Cheerios. Papa
Love this! My brother, several Uncles, a cousin and two husband's were in the U.S. Navy, Vietnam Era. I love everything Navy.🥰 Great video especially the commentary 😂
I'd like to take a moment to appreciate that the vent in the room I'm watching this in kicked on right as they launched, so it was like one of those 4d theme park movies 🤣
I don't know ANYTHING about any of this but... that sudden change of pitch when the whole thing gets into "tension mode" was a pretty clear warning even for me!
I worked for MacDonnell/Douglas then Boeing in St. Louis MO. 35 years as an aircraft systems instructor. Stated teaching with F/A-18 ship one. Also taught F-15, AV8B, T-45 systems. Egress was my specialty. Plus fuel, electrical, how to wire all of them, Naval Weapons Specifications Soldering. Qualifying at China Lake school. MacDonell/Douglas was managed by Engineers. Boeing was operated by Business Men.
Daaaaaamn that was awesome! More of the same please Sir. I didn’t realize you came upto full power with someone still out front like that. Always amazing.
Springtime, 1967, onboard Enterprise in the Tonkin Gulf. I was an ECM operator with VAW-13 flying "Queer Spads" with many Cats&Traps in my logbook. Having just recovered from a flight, I was chilling in my compartment when a Plane Captain can rushing in and told to report to the Cod... I was going home. Two minutes later I running up the ramp of the C-2. I grabbed the only seat available which was right by the Ramp. Just as I was strapping in the whole plane filled with smoke. I grabbed my parachute bag, popped my seat belt and ran down the ramp hollering FIRE, FIRE heading for the island as fast as I could run. The Chief mustering in passengers, caught me and wanted to know what in the Hell was going on. After he explained the "smoke" was from the A/C system, I made my way back to the plane an took my seat for an uneventful flight to Cubi Pt. Moral to the story, us SPAD folks need all the help we can get.
So that's what your aircraft looks like! I've read and reread Tom Clancy's The Hunt for Red October, and Jack Ryan flies out to the USS Kennedy on one. I was a Ground Pounder, in the Corps, 0311, and the only time I spent on a ship was five days aboard the USS Kearsarge, in October of 1996, floating off Camp Lejeune.
Thanks. Dad was a pilot on the Lexington in ww2. No videos, very few stories. One kamikaze strike and one dud bomb dropped on the deck and bounced and rolled. He passed a week later.
Ah yes, the flying wonder bread. I was ATO on the Kitty Hawk, 1998-2000. Worked with VRC-30 Det 5 a lot. Tossed a bunch of mail, kicked a lot of boxes. 4300 people on and off. Was good times.
wait your piloting the plane? that's really badass, what does it feel like launching like that? can you do a 1st person perspective or is that not allowed?
The craziest part of carrier ops is that folding wings can sustain the forces exerted upon them, and also that you can send instructions hydraulically to the flaps etc through that hinged wing. Maybe I have the brain of a child, but it's incredible.
I spent a year living on, and and working at the Ft Campbell airfield. Never a day, or hour, without the sound of some form of aircraft taking off or landing. A shared facility with the Air Force, craft included fighter jets pulling vertical takeoffs, and the C-5 Galaxy. Part of a troubleshooting unit, I worked all across that field.
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ABE3 here. Cat Captain for Cat 3 on IKE ('92-'93). 30 years past, and I can still explain every step of the process. E-2/C-2 launches were exciting... the props were literally feet away from your face. Great vid. Thanks for the memories!
Carrier takeoffs are incredible, so much happening all at once, perfectly choreographed to give everyone as much information as they need to carry out their task, and incredibly efficient
Nighpaw and don't forget the SOUNDS! I watched from the island of the USS Essex a few times in the mid "50's and even from that distance the noise was deafening!
So much is happening in such a short amount of time. That's a well-oiled machine.
Once while launching birds off the Nimitz every 30 seconds we were asked by the air boss to slow it down a lil bit.
100 years last March. Took a lot of trial, error and lives to get this efficient.
@@bryanst.martin7134 Exactly correct! At our first carrier to carrier battle at Midway it took almost 2 hours to launch the entire strike force. It was truly a fiasco. By the end of the war when we had like 30 carriers and experienced pilots, we could spit a strike force out in under thirty minutes.
At what history calls the Marianas Turkey Shoot, we took out like 400 Japanese planes to our 29 losses.
Practice makes perfect and you practice how you fight. That's why we are second to none on, in or above any ocean!
And not a word was spoken. All done by Sign Langy
That's what she said
I was a Photographers Mate on the USS Nimitz for four years, and I spent many hours taking cat shot photos from that position. It’s something you DON’T get used to!
You were a friend to a photographer, but what did you do?
That was a joke.
I just want to know about the aliens, man!
@@westrim That was good! 😄
Scary place to be!
Wow 🙌🙌🙌🫶🙏
SUCH A COOL POV!
I was a line tech for 4.5 years, loved using hand signals!!!! Keep up the great content, love the little blurbs explaining the details of what's going on!
Did you learn to chew someone's ass with hand signs? That's when you know you can cuss in any language, you're a real sailor.
Yes, absolutely! Now I know HOW these aircraft are marshalled to lineup with the catapult shuttle (little right, little right, MORE right) - awesome little details the Chinese are going to have to learn in order to do it right.
As an Aussie, I love watching our American friends launching the big birds of the deck, just something special about it, thanks for sharing with us, and safe travels
Rob, I really appreciate your videos. My Dad started flying TBF/Ms in 1950 and finished up in Grumman S-2's (sort of mini C-2's) in the mid-60's, flying ASW the whole time. We have some shaky, silent 8 mm films from some of his cruises. Your high res videos bring those films to life. One small caveat though, my Dad's cruises were limited to Casablanca class carriers, none of the nuclear flat tops. Greatest day of my early childhood was walking through a hangar full of folded up S-2s at the Norfolk NAS in the early 60's. I can still remember the smell of all that mechanical grease. No better perfume int he world!
Couldn't have said it better myself! I love the smell of jet fuel in the morning :)
The Lockheed Martin S-3A🛩 Vikings replaced the Grumman S-2 Trackers🛫. I 👨🔧was in the S3-A squadren, "VS-33 Screwbirds"🔩🐦 With Carrier Airwing 9✈ aboard the USS Nimitz 🛳 & was stationed at NASNI🏝, SanDiego🌇🏙🌃! Thankya for sharing the video. . . . "Salute", sir👨✈️!Welcome 🇺🇸home🇺🇲, Brother!
I'm not a pilot but love the smell of my 2 cycle toys 😁 so I'm with ya in spirit 100%
To add a bit of clarity to the replies here: The S-2F (Stoof) Tracker was the shipboard ASW version of the C-1A Trader, commonly called the COD. The newer COD, the C-2A(R) Greyhound, is shown here in this video. The E-1 Tracer was the AEW version, a sister airframe to the Tracker and Trader, and carried a large radome over its fuselage, earning it the moniker "Stoof with a Roof".
@Doc Holliday Negative, the S-2F Tracker was the "Stoof" (S-2F = SSS-TOO-FFF = STOOF), performing the carrier-based ASW mission. With its radome over the fuselage, the E-1A Tracer was the "Stoof with a Roof", with the mission of AEW. The C-1 Trader was of course "the COD". At least one time in carrier aviation history when Big Navy's pipe dream of maximizing airframe commonality actually came true!
One of the most hostile dangerous alien workplaces. I couldn’t even begin to list the lethal threats to life because I haven’t the wit to recognise them, let alone the reactions and skills to avoid them. Death comes suddenly on that deck. I have nothing but admiration for all the sailors and aircrew who work every day and night at that peak of danger and attainment. I know I couldn’t.
th-cam.com/video/BuIbvX_B7sY/w-d-xo.html
Cable snap, first guy manages to double jump. Others not so lucky.
Crazy.
Nah, crab fishing is much more dangerous, or so im told by discovery channel.
@@ptbot3294 Pretty sure making pizzas is about 3 times more dangerous than both of those things (carrier worker n crab catcher worker)
Yeah i hate when I open the oven and get sucked into the turbofan and disintegrate and end up being my own pizza topping.
Swivel head is important. I worked night ops in an F-4 squadron. I was in between the JBD and the bird waiting for the turkey feathers to open up all the way. Then I’d lift my flashlight.
That plane dipping just as it catches enough lift when it falls off the deck. That's a pucker moment. But also the one where you feel most alive
This ☝
@@flyrobroy haha I'm just a plumber too. It's only what I could imagine being catapulted off a deck of a ship
those props are designed to pull hard and aren't counter rotating, it's gonna have natural roll.
As an ex sailor on HMAS Melbourne, Australia's aircraft carrier, l served on it for 2 and a half years. Watching this video still brings back soo many good memories and excitement while serving.
@@user-ic4ut9uq9i I hope the Royal Commission helps things
It never ceases to amaze me how fast the acceleration is. This thing put every dragster to shame!
I don't think so, top fuel dragster 330 mph in under 4 sec in 1000 ft that planes doing no where near 330 mph coming off the carrier. the planes are big and heavy and impressive but not faster acceleration
1971 I was stationed at Cubi Point Phillipines with VRC-50. I went there to replace one of the 22+ sailor’s who lost their lives on a C-2A. It was lost flying to a fleet aircraft carrier stationed at Yankee Station Vietnam. I was there 6 months and all C-2A’s were down, we only maintained them and they never flew. Scuttle Butt said rescue craft only found a floating escape hatch. “RIP” all aboard!
I was with VR 30 out of both alameda and north island, in 1976-1979 decommissioned An gave the dc9 to 50+55 moved to north island. Lots of stories and memories
This was awesome, love the close up footage and the explanations of what’s going on. Keep up the quality content!
A lot of people say, and mean, that they apperceive our brave service members. My brother is retired NAVY and, at 51 years old, i have the pride in him like a kid looks up to his big brother. What you do can't be properly explained. It can only be truly appreciated by actual experience. A video like this doesn't do your sacrifice justice. However, it does bring an added and, in my opinion, necessary perspective. Thank You so very much.
This was such a freaking awesome perspective! Also didn't know the deck crew bailing out of the way was part of the procedure 😂
Right?!
Uh, yeah…
Either that or get mauled by those spinny things
That's the stop, drop and grab something that don't let you get sucked in thing. I had to do that once when I found myself looking down the throat of a turning A6. I wrapped myself around the nose gear and hung on for dear life.
I submitted a SRC to change rates from AT to ET and retired a CPO. To hell with planes!😂😂
As a Photographers Mate on the Nimitz, I had to take pictures of “parts” of someone who was sucked into a A-6…
Hey Rob,
I was avionics/final checker for VMFA-323 on the Connie. Props to the final checkers for having to be behind that massive wind tunnel! I was almost knocked off of my feet, hanging on to the Hornet's nose wheelwell on one of the elevators while a Greyhound or Hawkeye was on the cat ready to launch. Love those birds!
hello, I was on Connie 4 years V-3 division 2 Westpacs 69-70, 71-72. Director bay 2 Phantoms and Vigilantes. great memories.
Really envy you guys.
I joined the Navy in 91, ended up in the oil lab and then one of the last boiler techs. You guys had some serious excitement. I did however love being involved with UNREPS.
Thanks for your service fellas.
USS COMSTOCK
LSD 45
That was WILD. Great footage! Can't imagine what it's like being so close to those massive propellers...
Those props are scary. That crew seemed so close to those blades.
Yeah imagine the catapult fires and brings the spinning blades right through you
@@guitrich it's partly due to the flattened perspective of the camera lens, but being anywhere near in the direct line of those things feels like looking down a gun barrel!
They're a bit back from the nose, but it's still pretty nearby, especially if the aircraft could lurch forward at any moment.
@@LayneBenofsky
I'd be more scared about the catapult, that thing can launch those aircrafts like they are roller-coasters. I wouldn't want to be anywhere near both though!
i think 2:05 sums that feeling up, pretty nicely
I love how the sound of the props changed when it launched. From under load to almost no load! Why I love the sound of the Q400 when it's taxiing around an airport. Feathering the props is such a nice sound.
I worked as a gas pumper during college summers. As a start-up pilot with Air Oregon. In ~1977, my Dad flew Piper Navajos, that I taxied and cleaned on Sunday evenings at the FBO. He quickly went to early Metroliners with a rocket engine in the tail. Transitioned to screaming Rolls Royce engined F-27s. Then into the short hot-rod early Dash 8s. I loved the sound of that plane and he loved flying it until he was forced to retire at 60. He wasn't happy. The Q-400 is a great airplane but it just doesn't have the go-fast looking lines of the early Dash-8s. I think the early Dash-8s are all gone now in commercial use. Dad passed in 2016.
I still miss him.
Lots of people don't believe me that the early Metroliners had a Rocket in the tail. Including Reserve USAF pilots.
FYI. From Air Oregon Website:
In 1974, the original Metro models were replaced by the SA226-TC Metro II after about 20 Metros and about 30 Merlin IVAs had been built.[note 2] Among the changes made were larger, squared-oval windows and optional provision for a small Rocket-Assisted Take Off (RATO) rocket in the tail cone, this being offered to improve takeoff performance out of "hot & high" airfields in the event of an engine failure.
@@msmeyersmd8 Air Inuit here in Québec still use the dash 8's. Even the 737 200's. There are gravel runways still in northern Québec.
There is a company in Newfoundland turning the dash 8's into cargo planes.
@@HuckThis1971 Thanks for the info. I've seen a video about the early 737s with a nose wheel kit added to keep gravel from the runways from being thrown up and into the engine intakes. I think it was about Canadian Northern Territories.
I always loved watching the bucket reversers being deployed on those early 737s.
I'm glad to know the Dash-8s are still soldiering on. After all they were Canadian built airplanes with Canadian PT-6 engines (I think). When new they were perfect for short hops throughout the Pacific Northwest with Air Oregon/Horizon Airlines.
Are any of the 4-engine Dash-7s still operating in Canada?
@@msmeyersmd8 If I am not mistaken yes. I know transport Canada has one based in Ottawa. I see it go up and down the Ottawa River.
Being a final checker with VAW-124 Bear Aces, Cat 4 was always a thrill for a launch event.
Merry Christmas Commander! Having served Three Med cruises on the USS Independence CV-62, the flight deck is a very very dangerous place to work. Having been on the Helm, I have seen things happen that I wish I had not. Lost life that still haunts me to this day. Prayers for all Navy pilots for a safe return from deployment. Blessings from Michigan.
Plenty of sad stories out there, for sure. Unfortunately, I have a few of my own as well.
Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for your service 🫡❤ my dad served on USS Bon Home Richard in the late 40s...sad stories. Butmy son serves .2 tours Afghanistan about to get out. And now my grand daughter!!! Im so proud.
I never got to launch our S-3s but I did get to do it shore-side. Walking out with the final checkers was AMAZING! Being that close to the engines was AWESOME but never dangerous. We trained safety, safety, safety. Best time I'm the Navy at VS-41!
This was by far the best carrier launch video I've ever seen. Informative, fun, informative, descriptive, did I say informative?
I never thought watching a carrier launch would be this exciting and informative. Thank you, Rob. I'm jealous of the fact that you, one day, could become a wonderful instructor for those lucky students, judging from your ability to narrate and make flying fun.
"Elevator music", that was genius! Hat off and salute you, sir! Well done!
Best regards from Argentina.
Gracias Favio!
@@flyrobroy
Thanks in my language, is more than welcome!
Gracias mi amigo!
I got scared when I saw that tag on the screen. I'm thinking, geez, do we really need annoying background music. Just let us hear the noise in all its glorious wonder. But ok, for a 'technical difficulties, please stand by' reason, I was fine with it. I wish other aviation channels would knock it off with the background music while they are telling us about this or that incident. Just talk, no music.
So, I'm now gonna sub, cause I want to see more of this great stuff.
I was USAF ...You navy guys don't mess around... One of my close friends served on a carrier for a couple weeks back in the 80's he told me about the C2's Amazing prop craft...Thanks for the upload...Very cool perspective...My buddy said nighttime was terrifying They lost two men during the brief time...
Me: 57, 715 TT, Comm., Multi. Lost medical. What you guys (and some gals) do is nothing short of amazing. I had trouble enough hitting two miles of stationary concrete. I can barely imagine a carrier landing. So cool. Thank you for your skill and professionalism. I just stumbled upon your channel and subscribed instantly.
I used to be a green shirt (that's the ABE's they work on the catapults and arresting gear) Longest workdays I've ever experienced, but never boring. That pov looks like its from the QA pit where the white shirts stand and make sure no one does anything dumb.
I spent 5 years on the USS Midway (CV-41). I never got tired of watching the takeoffs and landings. (from 'vultures row', the 07 level)
Thank you for your service. I've been on it as a tourist my first time in San Diego, quite a sight inside and up on the deck.
Richard, what years did you serve on the midway??
@@michaeld53 1976-78 & 1985-1988.
I got to go on the midway right before you guys decommissioned. We were grabbing parts for our boiler. So cool to be on that old girl while she was still in service.
Was a C2 pilot out of Sigonella early 80's. Best cat shot was off the Forrestal waist cats. Great ride. COD pilots deserve more respect than they get.
Rob answered below, but when on the deck you really do not see the props spinning. Scarier than being around jets. E2's, C2's even C-1's were not to be trifled with....
nor tail rotors for that matter.
On camera 🎥 it’s called the Stroboscopic Effect.
I have a relative who used to fly the E2C
And later the FA18
Really appreciate the subtitles translating everything that’s going on. Made all of this much more enjoyable. Thank you for sharing
So cool to add the description on the video !!! Please keep doing it . Have a safe and nice holiday time!
Will do and thank you!
Did belly checks on the Kitty Hawk during our det back around 82-83. Keep your head on a swivel
I used to catch a ride on that plane after assisting pilots with our A6's intruder squadron back in the '70's. Shout out to VA-34 BlueBlasters, Oceana, Virginia
VF-11 Oceana '74-'78
Loved that place!
Love the old Greyhound! Was an A/C Mech on them and the E2B & C from 1976 to 1993, NADEP NI when there was only 12 C2's in the fleet. Was involved with the SLEP on all 12. Great aircraft to work on! GO NAVY!
For all the hype the fighters and bombers get I've always felt the badassest guys in the fleet are the E2C and C2 drivers, it's often overlooked just how badass it is to take off a d land a transport sized TP fixed wing on a ship. Had I to do it all over I would sign up as one of those who dreams of a C2 posting rather than flying a fighter.
My former CO from the USS Saratoga was the pilot who landed and took off from the Forrestal in a C-130. He spent most of his career as a fighter pilot, though.
The CAG-5 C-2 det took top hook one month on the 1999 Kitty Hawk cruise. Pissed off all the jet drivers something fierce.
Unfortunately, no ejection seats on the E2C. One of the reasons why a relative pushed to cross train to the FA18
For so many reasons, it clearly takes a LOT of intestinal fortitude to work on the deck of an aircraft carrier - especially when you have to be that close to spinning props!! Utmost respect to ALL who serve & protect!
Stuff like this makes me miss being on a ship even more..
Those propellers only appear to be turning slowly because of the video frame rate, but you can tell the power level being applied was quite high even when hooking up to the catapult. I kept wincing at what those props would do to a body and how close the ground crew was to them. But professionalism will tell… plane launched and no injuries! Awesome job!!
Thanks for that, this is the first time anyone has told us what is going on as it happens. Really interesting stuff. It would be good to know how people are trained to be safe there as it strikes me as one very dangerous work place. All through the video I thought he is very close to the props.
Nice work inserting the explanatory mini text! Helps non FD viewers understand that every second something is going on AND that every second needs to be alert to stay alive!
Thank you for posting. I worked the flight deck on board Nimitz ‘81-83, while also serving as V1 Division Yeoman.
I served on the Lexington in the late 60s tad from vt-21 for car quals I was an ams on f-9 .they hooked to the cat with a bridle. Worked on the flight deck as a checker.id do it Ina heartbeat again and I'm 75.
.
Are you an aircraft owner and need to sell your plane? I'll make an awesome video of your airplane to post on my TH-cam channel to help get it SOLD! Send me an email if you want to learn more: rob@royalaviationgroup.com
Your videos are always cool to watch. Keep’em coming and stay safe.
Thanks and will do!
My Dad..."The Colonel" was a 30 year USAF Officer, 12 of those years as a Pilot with Hickam AFB on Oahu being one of the Best Tours our family experienced! Ended up in Ohio, down the road from Wright Patterson in The Gem City! I very much appreciate this channel for all the memories it conjures up in my Brain Rolodex. Cheers and Salute
Thanks so much!
My son was stationed on the JFK. I was allowed to fly from Mayport FL to the Boat as it was headed to Virginia on her final trip. Landing was so excited I can only imagine what it's like to be shot off it. I have been addicted to flying ever since.
Outstanding video, Rob Roy!
Thanks Don! And thanks for subscribing - it means the world!!
Oh yes you can! Even my dad got closer during a Tiger Cruise when, as hookup PO I let him crawl under a Tomcat with me and he installed the “holdback bar”.
Awesome!! I was a green shirt too, cat 1 on the Enterprise then gear on the Roosevelt. My dad got to enjoy flight ops in the tower by the air boss on his tiger cruise.... Good times
Well your one bad ass pilot!! And thank you for your service sir and I got chills just watching this !!!
When your young you think you'd like to work on a carrier for a few years to make money for college. Then you watch this video of a guy standing just a few feet from a spinning propeller. I can't imagine do that in the dark or in war time.
I wouldn't want to be the stuff that hits the fan.
There is nothing in this world like the smell of JP-5 exhaust first thing in the morning.
Smells like … Victory!!!
I get goosebumps seeing how close they park to the edge.
My dad worked on the E2 for 30 years at grumman in bethpage ny. I got to sit on the guardrail of their runway while 2 did a mock carrire take off. Full power, brakes locked. Props 0 deg, then they let go. Boom off in less than 300 ft with no cat! Truly amazing...I was 3 feet from the runway edge. Also saw the vertical stab of the shuttle challenger hanging by a crane....so absolutely huge!
Want some cool pilot merch for your collection? robroy.myspreadshop.com/all
It's the best way to support my channel and my personal favorite is the "Mustachio" patch!
Brilliant side hustle.
No, you're right. It was almost like being there.
I was an LSE on a frigate, FFG43. Landing helos on small deck was a rush sometimes, always enjoyed it, except the time a Japanese’s pilot used us for quads, we had to dive into the safety nets.
That one shot camera angle of the takeoff was amazing.
I love the little captions! You tell whats going on accompanied by a little humor, great video👍
Damn fine video, and I enjoyed the “five second break” with elevator music! Just one question: I thought that most multi-engined propeller aircraft have their props “handed” (engines on one wing rotating clock-wise and on the other wing counter-clock-wise) to help reduce asymmetrical lift/torque? Is that not the case? ‘Cos it looks like they’re both turning the same direction, unless it’s a “trick” of the video camera’s frame rate? Thanks!
Nope, you saw it correctly. These props turn the same direction and as far as I know, most if not all props on multi engine planes turn the same direction...
So with 4,800 shaft horsepower on each engine on the C-2, we are CONSTANTLY putting in a full boot of rudder.
@@flyrobroy it's a maintenance simplification thing. Only having the props spin one direction means only having:
One set of replacement blades
One set of turbine blades
One set of gearbox components
One set of engines
One set of miscellaneous bits and bobs
One work manual for that aircraft
You have to double at minimum the propeller blade count, the miscellaneous bits, the manuals and training, and either the turbine bits/engines or the gearboxes (gearboxes are how the A400 has contra-rotating blades). It might make her a little harder to fly at full thrust, but it'll make her a thousand times easier to maintain for the shops.
That was exactly one of the things they had to worry about when they dropped the nuclear weapons on Japan. They had to make a right hand turn so the torque from the engines would help them get turned around quicker.
@@flyrobroy Good to know- thanks for the answer! Do you mind if I ask what was your favorite aircraft you got to fly, and what would be on your short list of planes you’ve always wanted to fly? And thank you for your service!
It's an amazing thing to watch the seriously choreographed dance on deck. We surely have the best military in the universe.
I am always enamored with jets. But, the Greyhound is actually good looking and impressive in her own way. Look at that cute dog nose.
Exactly! I’ve been saying it for years…
This cat shot always gets the goose bumps poppin' up. Amazing shot ! #FlyNavy
The deck of any US Aircraft Carrier is truly one of the most dangerous places in the world!!! I am glad as hell I was a damn ground pounder. You folks are freaking nuts and have massive balls to be working in that environment.
I love the guy up by the nose, so close to the spinning props doing his work. Then as soon as the plane is at the point it could be inadvertently launched he's outta there (of course)!
Good thing they remembered to put the wings on. Absolutely fabulous photography. Thank you very much....never seen better. Bring us more please.
I used to fly a lot as a PP + IFR rating. I thought I had a hot rod with my Red Marchetti SF 260 M. ExLibyan military trainer experimental import. After watching this. I see infinite levels beyond my land bound piston military trainer.
Time compression. No room for error. Everybody in the right place and accounted for. Amazing stuff.
And then...you're instantly flying. Amazing to watch.
I really love those mean looking 8 bladed props. Too cool for school. 😎👍🏻🇺🇸
Pretty cool, never been that close to a launch. But I used to pick you guys up out of the water when you missed. I felt safer that way!
Thanks for bringing back 40 year old memories.
Thank you for your service🫡🙏🙌
Awesome production… love the perspective from the waist.
My country invented the aircraft carrier catapult. Seeing this made me proud of that.
I spent six years in the U.S. Army as a UH-60 helicopter repairer/crewchief. Joined straight out of high school.
I worked on them and flew missions in them. It was very nice and exciting, even if the work hours were long and all over the place.
I always did my job to the best of my ability and gave 100% effort, and was very grateful that the Army trusted my 19 year-old self with my own bird.
However, despite the aforementioned, I never felt not even a fraction of how cool or professional the Navy guys look to me working on the deck of an aircraft carrier. I always felt so mundane and regular. 😄
My father was the fuel officer on board the Kittyhawk (CV-63). He was also a flight instructor, and a pilot (planes, not jets). Thank you, for showing me a view I had never gotten. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗👍🏻💯💖💋🇺🇸
That was a really cool video & love the text inserts. I served on the IKE (1985 & 1989) & Forrestal (1987) in the AIMD, operating the VAST & CAT-IIID, but only as a USNR attached to VAW-78 within CAG-20. I enjoyed my time aboard ship as an AT1.
That was freaking awesome. Never been on a Aircraft Carrier. But I’ve been right next to Nitro Powered Dragsters. I imagine it’s a close second. The force all most blew me off the landing. Why you don’t mess with America. Our military is second to none when it comes to getting the job done. We don’t mess around.
Ground guiding MRAP/MAXPROs as an E5 to E2-E4s driving was stressful as hell, I can't fathom the stress of being a ground guide for O1-O4 Naval Aviators driving a jet on a floating city that is constantly having an earthquake.
So proud of our seamen and women. Just kids for crying out loud, and AWESOME at it. You need to know how much you are appreciated. Now, stay safe and eat your Cheerios. Papa
Love this! My brother, several Uncles, a cousin and two husband's were in the U.S. Navy, Vietnam Era. I love everything Navy.🥰 Great video especially the commentary 😂
Awesome, thanks Sooz!
I'd like to take a moment to appreciate that the vent in the room I'm watching this in kicked on right as they launched, so it was like one of those 4d theme park movies 🤣
What a great video, thanks! That's the last bird my pops flew off a carrier...a LONG LONG time ago. Go Navy!
I don't know ANYTHING about any of this but... that sudden change of pitch when the whole thing gets into "tension mode" was a pretty clear warning even for me!
I worked for MacDonnell/Douglas then Boeing in St. Louis MO.
35 years as an aircraft systems instructor. Stated teaching with F/A-18 ship one. Also taught F-15, AV8B, T-45 systems. Egress was my specialty. Plus fuel, electrical, how to wire all of them, Naval Weapons Specifications Soldering. Qualifying at China Lake school.
MacDonell/Douglas was managed by Engineers. Boeing was operated by Business Men.
Daaaaaamn that was awesome! More of the same please Sir. I didn’t realize you came upto full power with someone still out front like that. Always amazing.
I worked on this plane back in 2009-2010, great to see it still out there!! Best pilots in the world!!
Awesome, thanks RJ!
So grateful for all your blood, sweat and tears on keeping the mighty COD airborne all those years.
*Amazing footage!!! Love UR Mustaches*
Since I started watching youtube decade or more ago this video definitely comes under top 10. Amazing. 👍
Great footage Rob, shows the risky work the deck crew perform during aircraft maneuvers on the flat tops.
Thanks Rod!
VS-21 USS ENTERPRISE CVN 65 here. Thank you for posting this. Brings back fond memories
Thanks for your service Rob!
flying the C-2 seems like the best job in the navy
Thank you for giving the written interpretations of the hand (and head) signals. the "a little" was interesting.
Springtime, 1967, onboard Enterprise in the Tonkin Gulf. I was an ECM operator with VAW-13 flying "Queer Spads" with many Cats&Traps in my logbook. Having just recovered from a flight, I was chilling in my compartment when a Plane Captain can rushing in and told to report to the Cod... I was going home. Two minutes later I running up the ramp of the C-2. I grabbed the only seat available which was right by the Ramp. Just as I was strapping in the whole plane filled with smoke. I grabbed my parachute bag, popped my seat belt and ran down the ramp hollering FIRE, FIRE heading for the island as fast as I could run. The Chief mustering in passengers, caught me and wanted to know what in the Hell was going on. After he explained the "smoke" was from the A/C system, I made my way back to the plane an took my seat for an uneventful flight to Cubi Pt. Moral to the story, us SPAD folks need all the help we can get.
So that's what your aircraft looks like! I've read and reread Tom Clancy's The Hunt for Red October, and Jack Ryan flies out to the USS Kennedy on one. I was a Ground Pounder, in the Corps, 0311, and the only time I spent on a ship was five days aboard the USS Kearsarge, in October of 1996, floating off Camp Lejeune.
Thanks. Dad was a pilot on the Lexington in ww2. No videos, very few stories. One kamikaze strike and one dud bomb dropped on the deck and bounced and rolled. He passed a week later.
Ah yes, the flying wonder bread. I was ATO on the Kitty Hawk, 1998-2000. Worked with VRC-30 Det 5 a lot. Tossed a bunch of mail, kicked a lot of boxes. 4300 people on and off. Was good times.
This is so cool to watch, glad you explained wtf was happening and the hand signals etc :)
These men and women are the protectors that allow me to live my life every day with stupid meaningless things. Thank You For Your Service.
Thanks brother. Means a lot
It's insane all the discipline, technology training and team work... And dangerous!!! You must love it to Stay anywhere there.
wait your piloting the plane? that's really badass, what does it feel like launching like that? can you do a 1st person perspective or is that not allowed?
The craziest part of carrier ops is that folding wings can sustain the forces exerted upon them, and also that you can send instructions hydraulically to the flaps etc through that hinged wing. Maybe I have the brain of a child, but it's incredible.
I spent a year living on, and and working at the Ft Campbell airfield. Never a day, or hour, without the sound of some form of aircraft taking off or landing. A shared facility with the Air Force, craft included fighter jets pulling vertical takeoffs, and the C-5 Galaxy. Part of a troubleshooting unit, I worked all across that field.
I have been that close IRL. I was a trouble shooter final checker in VS-38 USS Ranger and I worked on C-2s in VRC-50.
That is amazing... the shear power needed to launch such a heavy beast at such a short distance and time is mind boggling