Carrier Launch from the "Bubble"

[CWP19]

Thing I like best - is the last thing the guy pushing the button checks is the pilot's head: "Head stays"... meaning the pilot is not shaking it off. Well done!

[beelzbub]

That guy was pro. Thanks for the explanation too, very cool stuff.

[beelzbub]

That guy was pro.

[mancoreta87]

is nice to see the fighters take off from the deck of aircraft carriers, naval pilots are the best in the world

[MarsFKA]

I guess the bubble retracts into the deck when it's not being used?

[Sahadi420]

I don't think the bubble retracts. And FYI, they are always being used. They don't just "hang out" at sea. They are always launching and catching planes.

[MarsFKA]

More on this: I just found some pics of bubbles, aka Shooter Domes, on various ships, and they all retract when not being used.

And, thank you, Sahadi420, for telling me what aircraft carriers do at sea. I learn something new every day.

[cypris2003]

yes the bubble retracts into the deck to a space below after launch ops it is in the way when parking aircraft on the bow and for maintenance

[chesnut707]

wanna bet??? not always being used.....ALOT yes....usually flight ops only go from about 0800-2200. at night is when scrub-exs n what not are done. but there are ALWAYS alert birds set

[Eurofighter4]

yes it normally retracts when not used....

[Vollhirni]

Thank you so much for explaining all the calls. VERY interesting!! How I would love to witness a carrier launch one time!!!! Cheers!

[Hawqis1]

I was on Ike from Jan 04 to April 05. Best duty section ever.

[briarsmoke]

What are the callouts the operator is making?

[scottvp45]

Flaps, Slats, Panels, Pins - Aircraft approaching the catapult is configured for takeoff

104 Set, Matched, confirmed - Catapult shot strength selected by the Shooter is verified by another team member for the aircraft based on Weight and the Wind Over the Deck

JBDs are up - Jet Blast Deflectors are up to protect aircraft and personnel behind the catapult

[marchdisco77]

@scottvp45 If the shooter is in the bubble,is there another yellow shirt shooter on the deck still doin the traditional one kne point or did they just place the officer shooter in a bubble? or am I not seein the whole picture. I was on the Uss KittyHawk which had no bubble. Care to shed some light on this for me?...Thanks

[scottvp45]

Checkers Out and Down - the troubleshooters for the Aircraft type are away from the aircraft and kneeling

Interval coming to the groove - Another aircraft approaching for landing is appropriately spaced in case he misses the wire to not conflict with the impending launch

Hooking One Cue to the cat team that the aircraft is about to be taken into tension on catapult number one

[scottvp45]

Tension on One depressed the tension button that removes slack between the nose gear components of the aircraft and the catapult

Good stroke, good hooks, mans out, thumbs up The tensioner piston stroked out successfully and the hooks of the holdback are properly engaged. The catapult personnel have left from under the aircraft and presented a thumbs up verifying the tension stroke

Mil power -The aircraft has powered the engines up and the catapult is further staged for launch

[scottvp45]

Winds/crosswinds Winds are checked and are within the initial set-up limits

Checkers like it Troubleshooters on the flight deck have observed the pilots final checks and see no problems (leaks, etc) with the aircraft

Salute Pilot has saluted meaning they are ready for the launch Final the last cat team member is out of the aircraft path and the catapult is 1 button away from firing

[scottvp45]

520, clear forward The Steam pressure is at least 520psi for launch and no one has walked into the launch path

Light, lights, winds/crosswinds Indicator lights on the panels show the catapult ready and no one has suspended the launch, and setup winds are verified for the last time

Heads steady the pilot is not shaking their head to suspend the launch

Shooting pressing the go fast button and making it all worth while!

[briarsmoke]

Thanks! Very interesting. And thanks for your service.

[Suyamu]

wow, thanks for the great video and detailed explanation of what is being said - it's extremely interesting - I've loved aircraft since I was a little kid.

[737Pilot122]

@scottvp45 The "go fast button" lol

[tdishdog]

I never get tired of this video

[gamefreakz91]

I had a chance to take a month sail on a Carrier. I just retired from the Sea Cadets. I got to observe them launching planes from the "bubble." it is very impressive to watch. especially at night!

[fighterpilot122]

that must be fun working in the bubble shooting planes up into the air

[madcan87]

How does the navy choose the people that work on a carrier? I think I should become a U.S.-citizen and apply for the NAVY....

Those guys standin right next to the plane must be crzy with those turbo-props just workin behind them... Respect!

[madcan87]

How does the navy choose the people that work on a carrier? I think I should become a U.S.-citizen and apply for the NAVY....

Those guys standin right next to the plane must be crzy with those turbo-props just workin behind them... Respect!

[RobertGary1]

You don't have to be a citizen. We had people on the Kitty Hawk that were not US citizens. You can get your citizenship after service easily though. The Navy places you in position based on need and your testing.

[Dgl44]

So If I am not a US citizen and when I grow up a little bit I can still get into the US navy right?

[calcmandan]

The only thing I don't miss is hearing the screeching sound from the arresting gear. Also, my office was just under wire 3. So we'd hear the jets approaching, BANG, screech!!!

Other than that, choosing a carrier for my last command was a good decision.

[drbford]

I was on the IKE (USS Dwight D Eisenhower CVN-69) in 94, I used to sit in the crow's nest and watch the jets all the time. It is very hard to explain of you have never been there. Brings back memories...

[visor109]

I was an EM onboard the Carl Vinson, and I loved working on stuff in the Bubble!

[LibraLiz]

i was on the Vinson too!!! 2004-2007

what years where you on?

[visor109]

1984-1990

[box778899]

sweet

[bowcatsafetyobs]

Sweet I was on IKE 1982-1986 worked on that Cat. I tell ya what if you are only experiencing through these videos you only get alittle of it. The feeling that you get right there, right next to the planes and the power behind the cats are beyond words.... Very nice video God Bless our troops and God Bless America.

[zomgFletch]

Always wonder what it's like inside there. Neat.