In the real world, this just isn’t done. But in flight simulation, anything goes. Above, the aircraft completes the downwind leg of its approach to the carrier.
On stabilized final with full flaps and landing gear down, the focus is on the approach angle and stall speed, which stands at 73 knots.
Beech Baron Be-58 on final for the Gerarld R. Ford aircraft carrier
You can’t rely on a cable to stop the plane, so you need the lowest possible speed and good brakes to land it on the 333-meter bridge. Below, the Beech attracts a little curiosity as it circulates to find temporary parking.
Taxiing to park the BE-58 on the aircraft carrier
The virtual pilot then parks the aircraft for the next day.
Parked for the night on the CVN78 Gerald R. Ford
The next two images show the aircraft carrier facing a storm the following evening, with winds blowing at 35 knots during a thunderstorm. On deck, the first aircraft on the left is our Baron Be-58, holding its own. If the storm doesn’t blow it overboard, the military will soon!
The aircraft carrier CVN 78 Gerald R. Ford in a storm
Canadian C-130 Hercules on approach for the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise
For the challenging virtual flights category, a F18 landing on the bridge of an aircraft carrier would have been appropriate. But using a C130 was at least as demanding, due to an increased inertia and the absence of hook to slow down the plane. Since this had already been tried in real life on the USS Forrestal in 1963, it seemed that it would be an excellent exercice.
Canadian C-130 on final for the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier
If you decide to try this exercice, expect to do few missed approaches as you get used to the narrow bridge and the more important size of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules (Captain Sim). The landing configuration with full flaps must be established a long time in advance. At the time you arrive over the bridge, no in flight adjustments must have been necessary for a minute or so on the approach. It will ensure a smooth landing.
Canadian C-130 on short final for the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier
The USS Enterprise deck height is about 130 feet and there is plenty of runway if you arrive at the threshold at the appropriate height. If there is a rebound, just apply full throttle and pull the control column slightly, as you are flying near stall speed. The approach speed should be around 110 kT. I chose to limit the fuel load to 50% in all tanks. The total weight of the aircraft was 127,000 pounds.
Canadian C-130 landing on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise
You will have to deactivate the option that makes the simulator react to an airplane crash. There are too many aircrafts on each side of the Big E runways and you risk hitting one of them with the C130 wings. For the real life trials on the USS Forrestal, the aircrafts on the deck had been moved away to give space to the Hercules.
Canadian C-130 parking on the deck of the USS Enterprise
Canadian C-130 parking on the deck of the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier
There are many areas around the world where this exercice can be practiced since everything is already programmed in the TEAM SDB CVN-65 USS Enterprise software for FSX Acceleration. I chose to be airborne from San Diego (KSAN)and followed a heading of 257 degrees over 108nm. The USS Enterprise is located at 32,31.647N 119,1.802W. The month of July has been chose for the screen captures. The flight was done at 17h30 and the weather theme was ORBX5.
View of the USS Enterprise deck with a Canadian C-130 Hercules
It is a demanding exercise that you will certainly appreciate. Have a good flight! If you feel like it, tell me how it went!
For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation
