Lexington (CVA 16) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 32 text:

CREWMEN MAKING FINAL ADJUSTMENTS WILL ROLL FROM UNDER PLANE SPLIT-SECOND BEFORE LAUNCH. FLAPS AND TAIL-HOOK LOWERED, DEMON HURTLES ABOARD FOR TRAP LANDING. 'IT I I I E ra L4 ,, I L. If c 9 I I I r 1 .L I I I 5-

Page 31 text:

VVHILE CREWMEN attach bridle, critical director insures plane is correctly positioned on track. AWAITING SIGNAL from Catapult Officer, deck-edge control operator prepares to fire port cat. EAR-SPLITTING shriek rends air as Demon applies power, is hurled forward in cloud of escaping steam. .

Page 33 text:

L r Q J I s I 1 H 5 ARRESTING GEAR necessary. mirror-operator eyes dials, corrects as l l LANDING SIGNAL Officer augments mirror system when in use, must determine visually if aircraft is making proper approach. The Mark 7 arresting gear is equipped to land the heaviest carrier-type aircraft, and is capable of bringing a plane to a smooth stop' Within a space of 195 feet. The LEX has six MK. 7 arresting gear engines, five with cross-deck pendants attached, to arrest the aircraft by means of a trailing tail-hook. The other engine is used in conjunction with a nylon-Webbing barrier that is pressed into service in the event of an emergency recovery. To date, over recording aircraft speed approach. MAN ON SPIN-12 assists LSO by in final 10,000 successful arrested landings, and one with the aid of the barricade, certify thatfV-2 personnel have kept their equipment in top condition. NO SPUTNIK TRACKER, system beams reflected light along pre-determined glide-path, which pilot maintains by holding orange-colored 'K meatball in center of mirror.