Aircraft Ship Operations

The interest in the use of shipborne aircraft is widespread among NATO countries. Major weapons systems like aircraft carriers with conventional fixed-wing aircraft, VSTOL aircraft or helicopters embarked, are operated by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain. Nearly all NATO countries employ various classes of smaller ships as helicopter platforms for amphibious assault, anti-submarine warfare or search and rescue.

The deployment of aircraft on board ships presents unusual and difficult technical and operational problems. Considering the multi-national interest in aircraft/ship operations it was considered meaningful and timely for the Flight Mechanics Panel to sponsor a symposium on this topic. This symposium considered problems of mutual interest connected with fixed and rotary wing aircraft operations from ships, and the application of new technology to enhance such operations.

The Symposium reviewed and assessed the current problems and possible future progress in:
- The ship environment in terms of wind, temperature, precipitation, turbulence and deck motion.
- Guidance, Controls and Displays, primarily in the approach and landing phase.
- Flight Test and Simulation Techniques.
- Launch, Recovery and Handling Systems Developments.
- Operational/Pilot Views.
- Future Developments.