The A-4 was one of the last acft. to use the "Bridle" (strop) as we called it in the U.S. Navy. A-3, F-8, & F-4 used it . On the A-4 if the strut went flat in flight, the main gear could and would hang up on the catapult hook in the wheel well, which would make a wheels up landing a sure thing. The bridle could whack the acft, and cause damage at times.
The splash is the catapult strop hitting the water. Before the refit, after the USS Frank E. Evans collision in 1969, HMAS Melbourne did not have a 'strop catcher'. It was fitted beginning of 1970. Sometimes, when centreline stores fitted, the 'strop' would not be caught due to potential interference with the centreline store (such as the 'buddy refuelling tank'). I don't see the strop catcher in this video so it must be dated 1969(or the catapults anyway). 'Strop catcher' protrubes beyond deck.
anyway I can get a copy?
mewrightswa 1 year ago
Thanks for the comment - music was generated by my editing software Studio 9 and is Copyright free.
hobart1850 1 year ago
Great video!! can you tell me the name of the song(music) you used?
mewrightswa 1 year ago
The A-4 was one of the last acft. to use the "Bridle" (strop) as we called it in the U.S. Navy. A-3, F-8, & F-4 used it . On the A-4 if the strut went flat in flight, the main gear could and would hang up on the catapult hook in the wheel well, which would make a wheels up landing a sure thing. The bridle could whack the acft, and cause damage at times.
redr1150r 1 year ago
What is the splash in the water below the Skyhawk at about 54 seconds? Nice video by the way :)
ebglider91 3 years ago
The splash is the catapult strop hitting the water. Before the refit, after the USS Frank E. Evans collision in 1969, HMAS Melbourne did not have a 'strop catcher'. It was fitted beginning of 1970. Sometimes, when centreline stores fitted, the 'strop' would not be caught due to potential interference with the centreline store (such as the 'buddy refuelling tank'). I don't see the strop catcher in this video so it must be dated 1969(or the catapults anyway). 'Strop catcher' protrubes beyond deck.
bengello 3 years ago