Images of the U.S. aircraft carrier using a steam catapult to launch the F-35C fighter jet, it can be seen that after the catapult, the F-35C will have a very obvious descent, but this may be the U.S. military testing the minimum power of the steam catapult to launch the F-35C, not that it cannot be launched.
Compared to electromagnetic catapults, steam catapults have a narrower weight range and cannot launch lightweight drones. The acceleration control is uneven, and the steam pressure tends to decay, limiting the ability for continuous launches. Compared to steam catapults, electromagnetic catapults have comprehensive advantages. However, the U.S. Ford-class aircraft carrier has not yet completed the use of electromagnetic catapults to launch the F-35C.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1844267271065674/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.