# Flight Deck Equipment

## Catapults

All CATOBAR carriers are equipped with catapults for assisted take-off. CATOBAR is a system used for the launch and recovery of aircraft from the deck of an aircraft carrier. Under this technique, aircraft launch using a catapult-assisted take-off and land on the ship (the recovery phase) using arrestor wires.

Nimitz-class carriers are equipped with four steam catapults. Similarly, Ford-class carriers are equipped 4 more modern EMALS catapults.

For more details on launch operations, read [Launch Operations](/supercarrier-pro/supercarriers/launch-operations.md)

## Jet Blast Deflectors (JBDs)

Aircraft carriers use jet blast deflectors at the rear of aircraft catapults, positioned to protect other aircraft from exhaust blast damage. The jet blast deflector lies flush with and serves as a portion of the flight deck until the aircraft to be launched rolls over it on the way to the catapult. When the aircraft is clear of the deflector, the heavy panel is raised into position to redirect the hot jet blast.

JBDs are operated automatically by the carrier crew during launch operations. For more information, read [Launch Operations](/supercarrier-pro/supercarriers/launch-operations.md)

## Elevators

Elevators provide movement of aircraft, vehicles, and equipment from the hangar bay and the flight deck. Elevators are typically located near the Bridge of the carrier. In the case of the Nimitz-class, 4 elevators are available. On the Ford-class, 3 elevators.

Elevators are operated through the [Miltech Universal Carrier Toolbar](/supercarrier-pro/supercarriers/miltech-universal-carrier-toolbar.md) under the Controls tab.

## Arrestor Cables

An arresting gear, or arrestor gear, is a mechanical system used to rapidly decelerate an aircraft as it lands. Arresting gear on aircraft carriers is an essential component of naval aviation. During a normal arrestment, the tailhook engages the wire and the aircraft's kinetic energy is transferred to hydraulic damping systems attached below the carrier deck.

The Supercarrier Pro product is equipped with two methods of simulating arresting gear. For more information, read [Arrestor Cables](/supercarrier-pro/supercarriers/approach-and-landing-equipment-and-operations/arrestor-cables.md)

## Hangar Bay

The hangar bay is located below the flight deck and spawns two-thirds of the total length of the carrier. It is used to store aircraft, supplies, ammunition, and cargo. It is accessible through the elevators.

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