"8.2.7 Catapult Afterburner Operation. Permissible catapult launch power settings depend on aircraft gross weight. At gross weights of 45,000 lbs and above, afterburner catapult shots are required. At gross weights of 44,000 lbs and below, three options are provided, allowing pilots to tailor the power settings to their needs. Military power launches minimize the impact of sustained afterburner operation on the ship’s jet blast deflectors (JBDs) and reduce fuel consumption. Afterburner catapults improve aircraft sink-off-bow performance and single engine flyaway performance in case of an emergency. Stabilizing in Military power while in catapult tension and selecting afterburner (MIL/MAX setting) at holdback release provides a compromise between single engine climb capability, fuel consumption and JBD compatibility. Performing a MIL to MAX afterburner transient results in only a small reduction of engine stall margin. If afterburner thrust is to be selected during the catapult stroke, advance throttles to MAX immediately following catapult holdback release. This maximizes the available time for the engines to stabilize prior to the end of the catapult stroke. The catapult settings for a MIL/ MAX shot are identical to a MIL power shot, so there is no need for pilots to communicate their intention to exercise the MIL/MAX option to the catapult crew."