Figure 4-1.—Catapult operation.
A main control console, deckedge control panel,
retraction engine control/charging panel, and water
brake panel are used in conjunction to direct and
integrate the catapult electrical and hydraulic systems
functions and to control
through a normal catapult
CATAPULT SYSTEMS
Each steam catapult
major systems:
1. Launching system.
the sequence of operations
launching cycle.
consists basically of eight
This system may be defined
as those components to which access can be gained at
the flight deck level. These components include the
following:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Trough covers and track assembly
Powered cylinders
Power cylinder covers
Sealing strip and spring
Launching shuttle
Launching pistons
tensioner
Digital endspeed indicator magnetic sensors
2. Steam system. The catapult steam system
consists of the following components, used to control
the flow of steam from the ship’s boilers and to store it
for use in aircraft launching:
a. Dry-steam receivers or a wet-steam accumu-
lator
b. Steam fill valves
c. Launching valve assemblies
d. Exhaust valve
e. Pressure-breaking
f. Steam manifold
Associated with the steam
preheating system, the launch
orifice elbow
system are the steam
valve control valve, and
the steam-operated pressure switch installation.
3. Retraction system. The two retraction engine
systems in use are the linear and the rotary. Rotary
retraction engines are installed aboard CV-67, CVN-68,
and subsequent carriers. The rotary is the newest of the
two retraction systems, and it is being installed on all
new carriers.
The retraction engine provides the power to retract
the. shuttle and the launching engine pistons after the
catapult has been fired. It is also used to advance and
maneuver the grab forward and aft,
a. Linear retraction engine system:
4-2
