Landing Speed of Aircraft on an Aircraft Carrier: Factors and Variations

When an aircraft lands on an aircraft carrier, the speed at which it touches down can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of aircraft, wind conditions, and landing procedures. This article aims to provide a detailed insight into the factors influencing landing speed and the typical speeds at which various aircraft land on an aircraft carrier.

Typical Landing Speeds for Different Aircraft

According to experienced deck officers, fighter jets like the RF-8G and F-4 typically land at around 140 knots, which is roughly 165 miles per hour (mph). The EA-6B variant lands at a slightly slower speed of around 135 knots. Under ideal conditions, with wind over the deck subtracted from these speeds, the relative speed of the aircraft to the ship is generally around 100 to 110 knots.

For propeller-driven aircraft, such as the C-1, the landing speed is significantly lower, typically around 90 knots indicated airspeed (IAS).

General Guidelines for Landing Speed

Another account mentions that an Hornet lands at 150 mph, indicating a high landing speed. Generally, fighter jets require higher speeds to maintain airborne during the landing phase, whereas cargo planes and reconnaissance aircraft land at lower speeds due to their different design and mission requirements. Some aircraft, such as helicopters, can even land vertically, thereby traveling at the same speed as the ship.

Factors Influencing Landing Speed

Several factors can influence the landing speed of aircraft on an aircraft carrier, including:

1. Stall Speed of the Aircraft

Each aircraft type has a specific stall speed, which is the minimum speed at which the airplane must be flying to maintain lift and avoid stalling. The aircraft must be traveling at a speed sufficient to stay airborne during the landing approach and touch-down phase.

2. Wind Over the Deck

The wind speed over the deck can significantly affect the landing speed. Deck winds can be adjusted to create a headwind to reduce the landing speed of the aircraft. For example, if there is a 25-knot headwind, the closure rate (speed at which the aircraft closes in on the deck) can be as low as 117 knots (142 knots indicated airspeed) for the F-4.

3. Carrier Speed

The speed of the aircraft carrier itself also plays a role. Typically, a carrier maintains a speed of around 20 knots, which can further reduce the landing speed by providing additional deceleration to the landing aircraft.

Precautionary Measures and Closure Rates

In case the aircraft misses the arresting wires, the landing speed is crucial for safety. If the aircraft is not at full throttle, it risks splashing into the sea or becoming uncontrolled. Therefore, pilots must approach the deck at a speed that allows them to safely engage the arresting wires. The

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