“They use the ramp because they don’t have the catapult technology to launch.”
That doesn’t make sense. They can build the jet with folding wings, they build all kinds of ships. They were given a lot of technology but are still able to have guys orbiting in space. They build atomic bombs and fully penetrated Los Alamos labs. They can build and assemble large hydroelectric dams. They can build airliners. They assemble and fully understand all our computers, tablets, iphones, etc.
But the one thing that stumps them is a lowly catapult? If somehow, that was the one thing they couldn’t understand, it isn’t exactly the most closely guarded military secret.
It’s probably because they got that Russian carrier at a firesale price from Ukraine, who would never have used it. That carrier was already a ski jump ship. Wonder how much load they lose for takeoff compared to a cat? Also factor in that that Suhkoi copy has much more power than an F-18, so maybe it balances out.
We’ll see if this turns out to be a one off national pride ship, or if they start building more.
True; I inartfully said that.
They have the knowledge, but I don't think it's feasible to add steam cats after the vessel has been fully built. The cats take a hell of a lot of steam that can screw up the temps on those oil-burner boilers.
" Building a steam cat carrier has to be designed that way from the keel up. " is what I meant to say. Thanks.