Carrier aircraft designs, now and then

A-4F, VA-212, landing on USS Hancock, 1972.
(click image to make larger)

The A-4. A dedicated aircraft carrier design with a short hook-to-main gear distance.

Difference from the F-35C and carrier trapping challenges?

Lots.

Orders of magnitude. The F-35C had to be subservient to F-35B airframe design needs. Not a trivial problem.

Note the F-35Cs current inability to trap is no longer a problem for the UK as they flip-flopped back to the F-35B STOVL.

Next. RF-4B, carrier approach and landing, 1965.



(click image to make larger - H/T-Spaz)

Amazing because the F-4 was also a dedicated carrier design. And here the F-4 approach speed will most likely be less than the 15 percent overweight F-35C.

The F-4 is also lighter.

Good grief.

Analysis? Only let people who know what they are doing, design aircraft for carrier ops.