The Intricate Skill That Goes Into Landing a Fighter Jet

Landing on an aircraft carrier's 300-feet runway seems like an impossible task. To slow down the landing plane, a series of arresting wires catch the jet's wheels and help bring it to a stop.
From the Series: Carriers at War: Strike Force Arabian Gulf bit.ly/2w8VqIY

[@calebschwartz3325]

Fun fact: As soon as a plane touches down on an aircraft carrier, they put the throttle to max in case they miss the arresting wire so they can take of again an go around.

[@jonshelley1079]

I wondered why they didnt mention that.

[@eXX0n]

I also wonder why he said three wires, when there are four. The ideal wire to trap is the third one, but there are four. Also, the wire/cable isnt "fed" to give the appropriate length. It's always giving resistance through hydraulics to slow the aircraft down.. It wants to hold back, not feed.

[@tman4tw838]

@@eXX0n newer carriers like the gerald r ford only have 3 wires

[@eXX0n]

@@tman4tw838 huh! I was sure they still used 4 thanks

[@eXX0n]

@Gatto01 it's not the wheels that catches the wires, it's a hook on the back of the aircraft.. The throttle is the lever that control the engine power. Like the gas pedal in a car.

[@kenzojenson7981]

F-18: *Lands normally* F-35: I'm gonna do whats called a pro gamer move

[@Jonathanhaugen]

Rex Jenson only real ones know

[@giaa.7349]

Normal 😍 pro gamer 😍

[@kenzojenson7981]

Correct :)

[@Madmario2006]

Rex Jenson land the Boeing osprey

[@Edu_Gonz]

Harrier:Hey you stole my trick uncool so uncool

[@randomdude2540]

These dudes get to play with awesome toys.

[@danielharman4437]

Random Dude yeah... toys🙄

[@iRxyanDestinygtaandmoreL]

best toys ever!

[@Aditya1998pandey]

Deadly ones

[@Shehbaz666]

Yeah with trillions of flight rules and protocol to follow.

[@GamalKevin]

If they missed they could just respawn!

[@griff428]

my dudes name at 2:27 is McLOVIN thats legit!

[@levilomas4562]

Lol😂

[@thoda_pyo_6946]

Superbad vibes

[@JohnnyPollas]

XDDD

[@kibawhitefang7176]

Hey yooo xD

[@Ninjaman195]

It's his callsign

[@samanders2676]

When I first saw the picture of an aircraft carrier in a Hamlyn’s hard cover WWII book at my father’s library I was completely in awe. I just couldn’t believe how could such a thing exist. The ingenuity that went into creating an aircraft carrier will remain unrivalled for generations to come. It truly is revolutionary. It’s an insane feat of engineering.

[@Eurasian_Australian]

The catapult assisted take off and barrier assisted recovery is the most interesting thing about a carrier to me. I like it how the smaller nations use STOVL carriers which involve short takeoff, usually with a ramp to assist in take off, and vertical landing without the hassle of catching a barrier with a tailhook. My country Australia has a couple STOVL carriers but we don't use them for fighters - we use them for helicopters.

[@jeffwilliams6374]

Navy wings are gold for a reason. Each time they fly it’s life or death - it does not matter if they are going into combat or not. This Air Force offices has the utmost respect for you Naval Aviators. 🇺🇸🙏🏾

[@retrofury6365]

2:27 Forget the jets,this guy’s name is McLovin

[@KRoOoOoZ]

not real name btw just a call sign

[@joegibbs9954]

That guys name was mclovin

[@pauljohnson2451]

I thought I was the only one that noticed lmao

[@doogleticker5183]

That's obviously his callsign...you know like "Maverick" and "Goose" for all you Top Gun fans... He's "McLovin" it...

[@sangramloke941]

Mclovin from Superbad.

[@tomashernandez279]

Was?

[@capt.heinrich6945]

"mlem" Mclovin the cat

[@goosesmileyface]

I know how to crash a plane

[@danielharman4437]

Tian Wang tbh I doubt you know how to. You would just crash it accidentally

[@satsukilarge4826]

Daniel harman anyone knows how to nose dive into the ground lol

[@ashtonh340]

You just got roasted by Daniel harman. *Tells him to apply aloe to the burn*

[@emiliacortez9739]

XD

[@adriannalundasan7570]

First, you need to know how fly a plane.

[@biblicalsmackdown3882]

I truly admire and look up to these men and women the confidence to skill the technique to do what they do, not everybody has it thank you for your service

[@huberlukeable]

I really like your post. I agree 100%.

[@anitasmith4559]

They truly have the Right Stuff. It takes my breath away every time I watch them.

[@BarbaraFischbach]

Major respect! Nerves of steel 🇺🇸

[@grave_i]

Pilot: *lowers throttle to 0* *Misses the arresting wire* Pilot: Oh shi-

[@tiankuohua5167]

**crash**

[@benschwartz7588]

Fun fact when the pilot touches down on the carrier they gun the throttle so that if they miss the wires they can circle back and try again

[@jb894]

You mean idle

[@magma4800]

No they pull the throttle when they land in case the pilot misses the arresting wire

[@grave_i]

I know that, it just would be funny to think about it.

[@souryavarenya]

0:10 - "I just removed the emergency battery from your plane"

[@stigsindiancousin6997]

Lit😂

[@Matt-rw9py]

Hehehehehe

[@Fierywell]

Comedy gold

[@myself3209]

*Pilot gies thumbs up* :D

[@Robertjoe]

I actually landed my F-14 on the Top Gun NES game, a task far more difficult than landing the real thing.

[@ericmiller931]

That bring back good memories

[@stefanobajos6627]

🫡

[@digantchaudhury175]

Its was my dream to fly those aircrafts. Finally my dream came true. And now i own two jets hydra and p999 laser.

[@russianraccoon7401]

What about molotok, pyro, starling, b11 strikeforce and besra?

[@digantchaudhury175]

@@russianraccoon7401 i used to own those but p999 laser is too overpowered. It can easily beat the others if u know how to fly good. It takes years of practice🤣

[@carncrboy]

lol

[@foxtrotnine2504]

Flying in GTA V is a magical experience, especially when u get to dominate the whole lobby and are unstoppable. Flying is too easy tho

[@stevegibson2255]

I have watched many Aircraft Carrier videos over the past years but none has ever gone into as much informative detail as this one. So much to learn if only for such good presentation (as you have done here

[@allgood6760]

Much respect to these aviators and those that support them👍

[@sandalphoncpu]

F1 2019: I can go 0-60mph in 1.5secs Fighter Jets on carriers: hold my catapult

[@jbflintstone8213]

One of my biggest regrets in life was not going into Navy. I love everything navy especially the carriers.

[@Acc0rd79]

All I wanted to do was be a pilot my entire childhood but I wasn't blessed with 20/20 vision:( It really sucks when that's all you want in life and are screwed by something you couldn't help!

[@FoxWithTheAngels]

Well there are alot of other cool jobs out there! Maybe you could consider working with some aircraft companys?

[@seanboi8600]

Acc0rd79 you can be a pilot if you don’t have 20/20 vision if it’s able to be corrected by glasses or contacts.

[@sswine8056]

You can fly without 20/20 vision

[@Drewciff]

Acc0rd79 congratulations you got attention

[@granthockley2353]

It’s surprisingly easy to become a pilot. Civilian at least. I’m getting my private pilots license currently at 17 years old, and if I can do it, literally anyone can

[@mrbiblyboo4034]

My uncle was a navy aviator and my dad has told me so many stories about his time in the navy and how he just played around in the gulf war

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

It always amazes me till this day how those planes can come in *super* fast like that and still land perfectly

[@anitasmith4559]

They land the aircraft so gently, like angels touching down. It's like watching a dream.

[@ENGTech867]

To my Navy brothers: Outstanding job shipmates !!!!! To my ACU - 4 and ACU - 5 brothers: let’s keep the LCACs flying baby!!!! You guys really make it look easy - all of you deserve the outmost respect and admiration… GO NAVY !!!!!

[@maxpower19711]

SpaceX lands on a ship vertically from space.

[@tofu985]

Big Falcon Rocket wow

[@edwinrobert7192]

Its Big Fucking Rocket, not falcon

[@iRxyanDestinygtaandmoreL]

Edwin Robert THANK YOU!

[@edwinrobert7192]

iRx Destiny no probs

[@-_Nuke_-]

unmaned*

[@mohamedsuliman5794]

Skills comes with being brave and bravery comes with knowing yourself. Believing you will be the best at everything you do is the key to perfection.

[@goinawol9447]

Something I learnt from a documentary: when you land, go full throttle because there is a string to stop you. Also, if you miss the landing you need to have speed.

[@mlrd6622]

Much like that failed cobra landing.

[@odiemodie1]

You comment is good, ‘cept the part you said ‘string’ to stop the aircraft... ‘cable’ would’ve been the more proper word, as a ‘string’ wouldn’t stop the plane at all.

[@2coolow]

Hats off to these amazing pilots

[@shakkazulu7870]

And most civilians have a hard time parallel parking. Hats off to the talent these men & women bring to the table. When the easy part of a combat strike mission is the actual combat, you know that you are operating in a dangerous environment.

[@suzannebenz8928]

MY! How our brave men can do this is beyond me! Thank you so very much!

[@michaelc.4321]

The catapult apparently gets you to 3.41 g’s. I’ve been in a centrifuge and that’s quite an acceleration.

[@GroovesNZ]

Random stuff with Michael that’s one hell of a roller coaster lol

[@jefffraley7094]

You sure it's not 3.42? My g-ometer says it's definitely 3.42. 42

[@Spherify]

@@GroovesNZ Well, there are roller coasters with 5-6G. Highest is 6.3G

[@hasaanbilal4846]

Well the acceleration equates to 150m/s÷2sec=75m/s^2 and if u divide it by earths gravitational feild u get 7.64g's

[@bobandbobandbob6285]

@@hasaanbilal4846 150mph, not 150ms

[@PatriciaM64]

All of the people involved with this must be at the top of their game! But, an extra bravo to the pilots! Just incredible...even to watch!

[@chrisksanznak9632]

One of my first jobs out of high school was fabricating instrument panels for these Hero’s… Best job EVER….

[@maryannricci7588]

Wow!! Love them. My father was on a aircraft

[@rsa9979]

Big RESPECT for those guys for risking there lifes to the democracy

[@user-uv3sv3qd2x]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@sirethanthegreat4069]

I would like to join the Navy after college because my grandpa was a Captain in the Army. This is the job I want to do in the Navy because I think planes are cool. Wish me luck.

[@tj1923]

keep going good luck

[@sirethanthegreat4069]

@@tj1923 thx!

[@SHARPGFX-dc9gj]

Thanks for this video.

[@tamikamcfarlane453]

So excited to watch I really think aviation is an interesting career choice.thank y’all for sharing

[@MrOnlooker13]

I just find this amazing especially when it land at night time I don't know how they do it I'm impressed with it

[@ZoeMAdams]

gotta trust the instruments

[@JasonAkrami1]

This was informative. Thanks.

[@frankmoore993]

Australia once had a 22,000 tonne Aircraft Carrier. Used to fly A4 Skyhawks off it. Standard story: All US A4 pilots refused to land on it. "I'm not landing on that!" And something about postage stamps. RIP HMAS Melbourne.

[@GeorgeCowsert]

I'm not a real pilot, but I can empathize with the stress. There's a reason very few people become pilots even though everyone wants to be one.

[@RW-zn8vy]

George Cowsert it’s mostly cost and determination

[@JP-vk1mo]

Have you ever played carrier landings, it takes some insane skill.

[@LindaCasey]

Beautiful ... do they sometimes pull the nose up into a stall position before hitting the deck on landing?

[@loserhehe]

i just hear danger zone whenever i see them take off

[@svt_mike66]

"Yep, I'm just directing this force of death and utter destruction around, nothing to really see here kids".

[@jgunther3398]

they have the opportunity to show views that have never been shown, like pilots-eye view all the way down, you can tell they have the footage or had the opportunity for it, but instead they use the same povs everyone has already seen a billion times.

[@alphababe9447]

This time... it’s actually Brighter here👍🏻

[@kalebrod2823]

Just amazing.

[@maxmouche]

Can the wheels roll over the arrester cables? I was looking for a slightly more in depth explanation on this and haven’t really found it. I always presumed that a wheel catching the arrester cable would be an issue but maybe not? If someone here knows - it’d be great to get more info on this. Thanks

[@MegaMrkicker]

my (limited) understanding of this is that the cables themselves are thin enough for the wheels to roll over, they're also suspended above the deck a few inches by leaf springs built into the deck, these can also be rolled over as they'll flex down into the deck

[@bean108]

F-35 and the Harrier Jump-jet: *laughs in V-TOL*

[@urban4957]

Blue Dawn Harrier: *Laughs in not being the worst military fanatical decision ever*

[@fortisfortunaadiuvat9262]

Just saw this video. My father was a naval aviator on the USS Saratoga CV60 flying the F4 with his Rio Luke

[@QueenDaenerysTargaryen]

Amazing video.

[@GARails]

🎵Highway to the Danger zone🎵 I immediately thought of top gun

[@Basementjacks]

Sorry I watched top gun only 600 times to know how to land a plane, thanks 😂

[@ashtonh340]

Jackie Ciser lol

[@Anyonymous92]

Jackie Ciser and you're cute :)

[@Bartonovich52]

But can you do it.... inverted?

[@ashtonh340]

Bartonovich52 no one can without damaging the plane or special modifications

[@Xackory]

You dont

[@monacoathlete2755]

Pretty amazing 👍

[@nycrich425]

Great video

[@Bergen98]

Normal planes: Landing is difficult F-35: hahah, vertical landing goes brrrr

[@E_Rico]

The amount of force needed to stop these jets is insane

[@chrisc475]

Was just thinking that. Similarly, the amount of force required to fire one into the sky.

[@arunmathew4242]

Excellent!!

[@dsgx1353]

This answered a lot of questions

[@kojin_vr7702]

Thumbs up for my uncle this is what he goes through

[@jamesonoof5973]

They should create some kind of laser type system, on the carrier and one on the fighter jet, that will connect to each other and will act as some type of "cruise control system" that enables the jet to bet controlled to land. Within this laser system, digitally, it will input wind, power, speed, etc., as to move the fighter jet into the landing phase. As for the pilot all he has to do is sit once he connects his laser connection with the carrier's laser system.

[@bisket81]

And add a big magnet !

[@umerzaffar2445]

Mad respect.

[@jamespharris2494]

Preparation + a creative mind is the mental catapult. Practice gives birth to skill. Skill grows into mastery.

[@daikicipolloni3151]

I managed to crash 17 times in a row in Ace Combat 7 when I needed to land on a carrier.

[@OhMuzza]

Top Gun Maverick brought you here, didnt it

[@bigvaihenschel3066]

Yes sir😂

[@buffintl]

I missed working in the Flight Deck - Plane Captain for life. Brown shirts VFA131 CAG 7

[@meghplabandas6623]

I love these ... coze they don't need more runway....

[@splendiddwarf509]

It's called a "YEETER"

[@genius6225]

I can snipe no scope on minecraft what does that tell you huh ?

[@darkerside4926]

-.- even in flight sim it's difficult....... I've been doing it for hours. 7 attempts and I only got 2 landings. First time landing on a carrier so I mean it's extra difficult.

[@Tokyo_1031]

That you need a life

[@zeekeeren8423]

Nothing... It tells me absolutely NOTHING.

[@solosecondhandstore5087]

@@darkerside4926 True, and even after relying on landing assistance, I still got a few success

[@diamondminer2546]

i can shoot a bow without pulling back the arrow

[@djnorrixx5240]

I love how the thumbnail is an f18 taking iff from the catapult instead of landing

[@terrencealston370]

Used to love going up to vultures row and watching 👀 the flight deck in action. I was in charge of the 4 to 5 Sailors ( hospital corpsmen) 🏥 in flight deck battle dressing station responsible for responding to any medical emergency.

[@_M_-_H_]

I have an Idea to make cars go faster than Keemstar because we all know he's fast af boi. Here's my plan: 1. Get a few mile long Runway. 2. Install the Catapult except it goes on the whole length. 3. Somehow put a car on the Catapult. 4. Profit.

[@durke5210]

Imagine if one of those wires snap off and hit somebody

[@jakeenglish4974]

Tonitro it’s happened before. There was an incident where a cable snapped while catching an f-18. The pilot ejected, but a few crew members ended up with broken bones and other injuries

[@sittingduck4771]

The F-18 is such a majestic plane

[@goodguycwyzz4768]

Any aircraft is still the coolest thing man kind has made by far

[@dylan5490]

DADADADA HIGHWAY TO THEEEEEE DANGER ZOOONNNEEEEE

[@darkfangulas]

That’s a lot of technology and skill just to drop a bomb on a thatch hut

[@edofluit6568]

edgy comment

[@brikshoe6259]

I don't think people in thatch huts are our enemy these days; while the F-18 is a fighter first, yeah, it can drop munitions (although an A-10 will look more impressive laying down the firepower).

[@louissteven8862]

@@edofluit6568 Is true though? Bunch of sand farmers vs A-10s, da faq? Put tje money in stopping the homeless crackheads in San Fran... and I say this as a non leftie

[@larkalfen9510]

dont worry new administration will not only bomb some thatch huts

[@iDeondrae]

Presenter: how fast does it land or take off? F35: YES!

[@JonJon-dk3nh]

Do electric servos move the wing fins and the one on the tail ? If so I assume they need to recharge a battery which powers them ?

[@usernamenotinvaild]

play at 2 to hear a normal talking voice speed

[@RazzJT]

Been doing this since 2018... In DCS World: F/A-18

[@devanshudwivedi5875]

Man DCS players are rare to find. wassup?

[@fishjan823]

How do you train for this? Is there a simulation for this kind of thing? I feel just knowing the knowledge behind it is not enough to be ready for it, they need the experience. But then again, this is the military, so perhaps they do have a simulation for this.

[@rossvoorheis2391]

Old comment, but basically they start with simulators, then they practice with a mock-up deck on land, then they do ride-alongs in trainers for the real thing, then they do it in a trainer themselves, and finally they'll move to whatever aircraft they'll be in for deployment.

[@galaxycrown4606]

good video, i love it

[@galaxycrown4606]

"it should be much-more simpler now don't U think?"... thecomputerlandsUw/obrains

[@trulyka5534]

Girls locker room: ughh! We only get 300 feet to land? Seriously.. Boys: im about to pull off whats called a pro gamer move right now

[@dankninja9434]

What does this even mean man

[@thaicoon6242]

But you never have a crosswind and you never have to flare. 🤔

[@bittenbyakitten3226]

Surely there'd be crosswinds from time to time. You're right though PROBABLY on flaring

[@jameschester3312]

The ship moves to eliminate the crosswind

[@thaicoon6242]

No crosswind. Never have to flare. Sounds pretty easy 🤔

[@ashtonh340]

Warren Yas except for the fact that you have to catch one of the arresting wires while the ship is tossing, turning, and moving.

[@Bartonovich52]

Also no obstacles on the approach. No obstacles on the overshoot. A metric fvckton of excess power. A bang seat. And a plane guard. These guys would probably shit bricks going into a one way strip in extreme terrain where your options for a “bolter” expire 30 seconds before you touch down.

[@heardandtested]

The good pilots makes it look easy, while the bad ones makes it looks like hell in motion 💣💥💣💥💣

[@militaryvideos123]

Just amazing 👍👍👍

[@cathal4330]

Im irish and i want to be a fighter pilot. I have 20/20 vision however ireland doesnt have any jets we pilatus turboprops though

[@de20]

Im going to be interviewed soon to become a fighter pilot but damn its a really stressful decision

[@boricuachamp]

I have no problem pulling out 💪🏼

[@MixinUK]

Shame your father didn’t

[@joramnyokum318]

My huge love for naval pilot 💖💓💓

[@regalsurvivor3418]

That is so amazing

[@danielharman4437]

I think what would’ve put the video into perspective were some failed takeoffs and landings

[@sadas3190]

It's easy to land a jet. It's hard to do it twice.

[@amzwl1671]

Haha I get ya

[@booonesaaw]

I dont get it

[@poncylpilatirov9011]

@@booonesaaw Crashing is landing too, isnt it? :D

[@lucianadelpuerto2153]

That's freakin awesome

[@paulfrye4292]

I am in awe, how Hero's Engine, ancient tech using steam, is still being used to launch fighter jets off a postage stamp, and also to recover said jet.

[@mac_attack_zach]

0 to 150mph in 2 seconds, now that's fact

[@jennygore9833]

Could do it with my closed and pretty soon they'll be unmanned anyway

[@michaelshort2388]

I'd love to see you try that. :)

[@connorengstrom4671]

Just add flame retardant parachutes to the f 16s. Have a button installed to where, as soon as the aircraft catches one of the wires, the parachutes deploy at the same time the wire catches so that the landing & slow down time can be easier & smoother. If somehow both fail (the wire/parachutes) install a backup plan where very sharp scissors cut the wires to detach the parachutes or disband the parachutes from the aircraft as a safety protocol so the pilot can still maintain liftoff just in case. That will also be a button installed next to the parachute deployment button. Or not next to it, but close by.

[@radar3084]

Meanwhile, The Professional lands his molotok on the street and says, "ez LaNdiNg"

[@Uinertine]

I could just cook an hotdog on the jets fire thing..

[@ahellicopter1396]

You mean afterburner?