No aspersions being cast on anyone including the above but that particular PDF has been mentioned many times on this forum and probably multiple times on the 'very long thread' but I guess one can only read so much at any given time eh. So thanks for reading it - there are other PDFs/websites out there - often also about the ski jump for CVF deck requirements - but that is now defunct sadly. Anyhoo here is some more reading in a small PDF about AAG with only some relevant to the new 'wires' technology excerpted. The AAG is going to be good.
Perhaps that was a factor in the tardy testing of the F-35C hook? But I'm only guessing.
NAVY TRAINING SYSTEM PLAN FOR THE ADVANCED ARRESTING GEAR Feb 2002
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ ... i_2002.pdf (122Kb)
"The AAG system consists of four units, where a unit is defined as a single recovery wire and associated equipment. It is envisioned that the AAG deck configuration will utilize a “3 + 1” recovery wire configuration, where a maximum of three recovery wires are rigged on three of the units at any given time. The remaining unit may be utilized as a spare, enabling a recovery wire to be rigged in the event one of the other units becomes unavailable....
...
DESCRIPTION OF NEW DEVELOPMENT
1. Functional Description. The new AAGE will be designed to improve arresting gear structural integrity margins of safety from current MK-7 levels to values needed for future Fleet operational requirements. In addition, the new AAGE will be designed to provide a total life cycle cost savings by reducing both operational and maintenance costs when compared to the MK-7 arresting gear. The AAGE will also provide new operational capabilities, including the ability to safely and efficiently recover both heavier and/or faster aircraft and lightweight unmanned air vehicles (goal) that may enter the Fleet in the coming years.
2. Physical Description. The AAG Basic System for an aircraft carrier is composed of four AAG engines (three pendant engines and one barricade engine), and one basic operational control system. The AAG Basic System will also include the operator workstations and external interfaces that the AAG requires. The AAG system will interface with the current MK-7 sheave damper, fairlead, and deck sheave systems, as well as the purchase cable and Cross-Deck Pendants (CDP). The AAG basic System will be upgradeable to the Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) System with minimal redesign.
The AAG P3I System will be comprised of the following P3I block upgrades, in order of preference:
° Option (1): Enhanced Control System for the Basic AAG system with the following
capabilities: conditioned based maintenance, automated diagnostic troubleshooting
and prognostic capability, reach-back maintenance capability, Interactive Electronic
Technical Manuals, continuous system status condition monitoring, Built-In
Test/Built-In Test Equipment (BIT/BITE), embedded operator training, and other
enhancements. The Enhanced Control System will include the capability to provide
for an Integrated Arresting Gear Control Station.
° Option (2): Redesigned sheave damper system (may be an active control system)
with capabilities compatible with the Enhanced AAG Control System.
° Option (3):
New high-strength, lightweight Purchase Cable and CDP....
...3. New Development Introduction. The AAG will be developed in two blocks. Block I will meet the requirements for CVN 68 class backfit and CVNX 1. Block II will meet the requirements for CVNX 2 and follow-on ships. Block II will build upon Block I. Commonality between the two blocks will be maintained to the maximum extent....
...5. New Features, Configurations, or Material. The AAGE program will also look at other new technology, as cost and technical risks permit, such as the
use of new, high-tech materials for the purchase cable, CDP, or other new technologies and materials. Previous work has shown significant dynamic load reductions can be realized by utilizing high strength, low weight, purchase cables and/or CDPs. Higher elasticity as well as low inertia tends to reduce the magnitude of the impact generated kink wave. The primary limiting factor for these high strength, low weight materials has been life. The materials must be capable of surviving the harsh and abrasive sea environment....
...The AAGE system will also have an embedded routine that
tracks hits on individual CDPs that must be changed after every 100 aircraft traps on the CDP. The AAGE will also have an embedded system for tracking any other system component that has a limited life (e.g., purchase cable, etc.)...."
A4G Skyhawk: www.faaaa.asn.au/spazsinbad-a4g/ & youtube.com/channel/UCwqC_s6gcCVvG7NOge3qfAQ/videos