The launching of a variety of aircraft from aircraft carriers is presently performed with open look control of a steam catapult. With increases in aircraft weight, a greater variety of aircraft and varying weapons suites carried, the steam generation systems are being pushed to their limits. If a closed loop system were installed,the optimum usage of the steam and the effective and safe launching of various aircraft with varying weapons suites could be accomplished.the present system relies on a nomogram and manual setting of a first stage hydraulic valve orifice, which controls a large hydraulic valve which controls the steam valve. This system provides a constant flow, whereas a variable flow rate to match the aircraft's acceleration and speed would be more efficient. Treadwell corporation presently provides a unique valve and closed loop electric control system for high pressure gas flow control for use on u.s. Navy nuclear submarines. This control system could be modified to provide closed loop control of hydraulic fluid for the launching of aircraft. The treadwell valve need only be modified to provide the necessary flow control of hydraulic fluid, the control circuit would probably not have to be modified since it presently operates from a pressure sensor feed back input.
Keywords: aircraft launch closed loop control system steam hydraulic valve circuit sensor
