bootneck Posted December 23, 2018 Share Posted December 23, 2018 Does anyone here know the length of the catapult bridle on RN carriers? I don't know if they were different lengths on the various carriers and I am presuming that they were all a standard size; but what was that size? Looking at photographs, I would guestimate about 28 feet in total length, before being looped back to the aircraft's horns, but I would appreciate a more definitive answer from anyone who knows please. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob G Posted December 23, 2018 Share Posted December 23, 2018 I did a search online, but could find no numbers at all. From what the narrator says at 16:02 min in this video ("A Vixen bridle is brought up ready") https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsE9oCdSEEI&t=132s it would seem that there were different lengths for different aircraft. It's worth watching the whole thing just for general information, and I think that you'd be able to use some of the visuals for a size reference - the cinematography is (mostly) excellent. Also, an interesting discussion here https://forum.keypublishing.com/forum/historic-aviation/109243-carrier-ops Given that this is BM, no doubt an ex-RN deck chappie will be along shortly to give you chapter and verse (no point asking pilots, they wouldn't know). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PF Naughton Posted December 24, 2018 Share Posted December 24, 2018 Hi, Thanks for posting the link to that video. It's fascinating and really informative too. PF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coors54 Posted September 17, 2019 Share Posted September 17, 2019 Not a deck chappie but wouldn't the launch weight of the aircraft dictate different tensile strengths of cable? That may be why the reference to a Vixen cable. I'll get back in me box now..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Swindell Posted September 18, 2019 Share Posted September 18, 2019 As above, i'd say the bridles would be aircraft specific and not carrier specific. Length would be determined by the geometry of the aircraft catapult spools in relation to the catapult with the aircraft in launch position. Thickness of wire would be determined by max launch weight per aircraft type. Size of eyes in bridle ends would be determined by aircraft spool size. Sorry I can't help with actual dimensions, but reference to photos to determine the position of the catapult shoe in the deck in relation to the aircraft should enable you to get close enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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