S-3 if memory serves was the only jet certified to launch whilst at anchor and even downwind. I've done the downwind thing and yeah, hell of a kick in the ass from the CAT!>
That was one of the aircraft I kicked off at anchor in Hurghada during Desert Storm, the other was a Hawkeye. In the middle of the war we were down to 2 cats and launching alpha strikes off 2 cats was difficult at best. We anchored off Hurghada to bring in the VRT and Tech Reps to expedite getting us back in the fight.Can't remember the importance of needing to get those 2 birds of the deck though. Supposedly a COD and Hawkeye can free deck but I never saw it happen.
I wonder what they set the cat at for a S-3 downwind launch? I would worry a Tomcat stroke might rip the launch bar/nose gear off and sling it in the water.
