Factoid: I remember a briefing where we were told that a cat shot equated to us pulling 5-7 "transverse" G's (through the chest)for that couple of seconds it took to throw you off the pointy end.
Note where the pilot's hand is during launch: He doesn't touch the stick till he's off the deck. The launch crew don't want him touching anything until he's on his own!!
Impressive! Used to prep the pre-flight briefings on the USS Intrepid (CVS11). Never got to experience a cat or trap, but I did hitch a chopper ride once in an SH-3 on guard duty, so I've watched this from aloft. Always cool. I'm curious about the F18's altitude by the video's end. Any pilots here care to estimate his angels?
