Essex Carrier and A-4 Skyhawk

[Southernbear]

As some may know some assets particularly Naval assets have particular spawns set, for example you can't spawn an F-14 on the Tarawa or a Su 33 on the Nimitz.

 

It is for this reason I ask if we will be able to spawn other fix wing aircraft on the Essex, primarily the Community A-4 Skyhawk and possibly the AV-8B

 

I mostly would like to spawn the Skyhawk to give some shake up to Vietnam based missions, sure, its not the carrier after it's refit to become an attack carrier but it still has the length to launch A-4s and it would be better then using an entire Nimitz to launch just a squadron or 2 of Attack planes.

[shu77]

+1 would be nice to get some mileage from it

[AG-51_Razor]

..... but it still has the length to launch A-4s and it would be better then using an entire Nimitz to launch just a squadron or 2 of Attack planes.

 

 

I am curious as to why you believe this to be true. I would be very surprised if the A-4 could successfully deck launch even if it were empty with mere fumes in the tank, much less with any kind of useful payload. Now, if the Essex class CV that M3 LLC is building uses a realistic hydraulic catapult with a bridle system, it might just work but even that was inferior to the type used on later Essex class carriers modified with angled decks.

[Southernbear]

I am curious as to why you believe this to be true. I would be very surprised if the A-4 could successfully deck launch even if it were empty with mere fumes in the tank, much less with any kind of useful payload. Now, if the Essex class CV that M3 LLC is building uses a realistic hydraulic catapult with a bridle system, it might just work but even that was inferior to the type used on later Essex class carriers modified with angled decks.

 

Well the A-4E-C in game with full fuel and at least AGM-45 Shrikes or AIM-9s on can do a WW2 esk take off from the Nimitz with runway to spare, (could be a funky FM but whatever) I'm pretty sure I could do it even if I end up falling off the deck at the end slightly

[AG-51_Razor]

That's interesting. You may well be right. Have you tried it off the Tarawa? Not sure if it can go fast enough though.

Edited July 10, 2020 by AG-51_Razor
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[Southernbear]

That's interesting. You may well be right. Have you tried it off the Tarawa? Not sure if it can go fast enough though.

 

See thats part of the problem though and links back to my main question, :( you can't spawn fixed wing aircraft on the Tarawa (aside from the AV-8B of course) and it doesn't have any wires to even try to land on her...best I can do is measure out the 888 feet of the Essex deck on a runway and put a marker at the end of the deck Doolittle raid practice style and see if I can take off before then or not.

[Southernbear]

Ok testing it, the A-4 can take off with several load outs (AIM-9 + AGM-46 Shrike OR 2 19xHVAR HE rocket pods ect) in 800 feet using a Wind sock to mark it on the Nimitz...as the smallest actual deck size for a Essex was 844 feet it means it can operate off it, question is, will it be able to be spawned on it?

[Harlikwin]

Ok testing it, the A-4 can take off with several load outs (AIM-9 + AGM-46 Shrike OR 2 19xHVAR HE rocket pods ect) in 800 feet using a Wind sock to mark it on the Nimitz...as the smallest actual deck size for a Essex was 844 feet it means it can operate off it, question is, will it be able to be spawned on it?

 

You can spawn any AC on any carrier you just have edit the lua file (might break IC IDK). Of course it nost likely wont work with the cats. IIRC the a4 did work with the old stennis.

[Southernbear]

Nvm...apparently I missed it when they said the Essex that will be modeled in game will actually have access to the late war catapults so this shouldn't be an issue, Just need to get the A-4E-C guys onto the case to get the functionality working.

[ustio]

Do we know if we are going to get other essex class carrier with angled deck for the F-8?

[_Hoss]

The Midway, would be nice for the Korea, and Cold War scenarios I'm sure Razor is intimately familiar with.   The Midway started with a straight deck then modified to have an angled deck, the steam catapults will handle most all jets, except maybe the Vigilante or A-3 Whale...even with a scant fuel load. The A-3's were also tankers besides VAQ later in their life span. She would be relevant up till the late 80's early 90's carrier operations.  She was commissioned in 1945, she had a compliment of F/A-18's , VFA-195, VFA-192... until she was decommissioned in 92. You can do two versions of her, straight deck and angled deck. But a good WWII carrier is definitely needed for the Pacific map.  I just hope there is a concerted effort to build a Japanese battle fleet and compliment of aircraft to fill it's deck, or we will have a very empty Pacific Ocean theater of operations. 

 

Hoss

Edited September 11, 2021 by BeoWolf_57

[AG-51_Razor]

I'm pretty certain that the A-3 flew off the Midway in both roles as a bomber as well as a tanker. So far I haven't seen anything in writing that says the A-5 flew off her but I can't immagine that there would have been any restrictions against it as far as the ship's cats and arresting gear were concerned. The Midway would be an awesome addition to the DCS World!! 

[TWC_SLAG]

Another good choice would be the Shanghai-La CVA-38.  Served in Korea, Cold War, an Vietnam eras.

[upyr1]

I'd like Essex class carriers in 1950s and 60s configurations. 

[toni]

Would be cool later at some point. 

I would love  the Wildcat,SDB Daunless + a Yorktown class CV.