Follow the DCS World carrier take-off procedure for the Hornet, Tomcat, Su-33 and Harrier, including catapult setup and common fixes.
To take off from an aircraft carrier in DCS World, first use the procedure for your aircraft: catapult, ski-jump or short take-off. For a Hornet or Tomcat, configure take-off flaps and trim, connect to the catapult, set launch power, salute, keep the stick steady, then clean up after becoming airborne.
Which carrier launch procedure does your aircraft use?
The aircraft and carrier determine how you launch; not every naval aircraft uses a catapult.
| Aircraft type | Launch method | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|
| F/A-18C Hornet | Catapult | Wings spread, flaps HALF, correct trim and launch bar connected |
| F-14 Tomcat | Catapult | Wings and flaps configured, nose strut lowered and launch bar engaged |
| Su-33 | Ski-jump | Take-off configuration, sufficient thrust and a load suitable for the selected launch position |
| AV-8B Harrier | Short take-off | Nozzle schedule matched to weight, wind and available deck length |
If you have not selected an aircraft yet, our guide to beginner-friendly DCS aircraft modules explains why the F/A-18C is a practical first carrier aircraft. It still demands careful control setup and checklist discipline.
How do you launch the F/A-18C from a catapult?
The Hornet launch sequence is to configure the aircraft, follow the deck crew onto the catapult, connect the launch bar, set power and salute.
- Bind the essential controls. In the F/A-18C control settings, locate wing fold, flaps, launch bar, nosewheel steering, catapult hook-up and salute commands. Names and default keys can vary with the aircraft and control profile, so verify the actual bindings rather than relying on an old key list.
- Complete the take-off configuration. Spread and lock the wings, close the canopy, set flaps to HALF and press the take-off trim control. Then set the stabilator trim required for the aircraft's launch weight; one trim value is not correct for every load. The relevant checklist can be kept accessible using the DCS kneeboard.
- Obtain clearance and taxi to the catapult. On a carrier with animated deck operations, use the available carrier communication command and follow the director's signals. Approach slowly with nosewheel steering under control. Do not cut across an occupied catapult.
- Lower the launch bar. Do this before entering the shuttle area, then follow the director's alignment corrections. The nosewheel must be centred closely enough for the launch bar to meet the shuttle.
- Connect and tension the aircraft. Animated deck crew may complete the connection once the aircraft is positioned. Simpler carrier implementations can require the control named Catapult Hook Up. In the Hornet, place the launch-bar switch back to RETRACT after the bar has been captured; the shuttle holds it down until launch.
- Run the final checks. Verify the wings, flaps, trim, controls, engine indications and warning panel. Set the power prescribed by the aircraft checklist and mission conditions. The Hornet normally uses military power, although afterburner may be authorised for particular launch weights or procedures.
- Salute when ready. Use the bound salute command once the aircraft is tensioned, at launch power and the deck crew indicates readiness. Do not hold the wheel brakes against the catapult.
- Fly the launch rather than forcing it. Keep the stick steady through the catapult stroke. After leaving the bow, establish a positive climb, retract the landing gear and move the flaps to AUTO on the proper schedule. Avoid an abrupt pull immediately after launch.
The F-14 uses the same broad sequence but has its own kneeling nose-strut, wing, flap and trim procedures. Do not copy Hornet settings into the Tomcat; use the F-14 checklist and launch-weight guidance.
How do you take off from a ski-jump in the Su-33?
The Su-33 uses engine thrust and the carrier's ramp rather than a catapult.
- Set the aircraft's take-off flaps and trim, then confirm the wings are unfolded and locked.
- Line up accurately at the assigned launch position and engage any mission-provided restraint or wheel-chock procedure.
- Hold the aircraft while the engines stabilise at full afterburner.
- Release and keep the aircraft tracking straight up the ramp; do not make large steering inputs.
- Allow the ski-jump to establish the initial flight path, then correct the attitude smoothly and retract the gear after achieving a positive climb.
A heavily loaded Su-33 may not accelerate sufficiently from the shorter forward positions, especially with poor wind over the deck. Reduce fuel or weapons, or use the longer launch run when the mission permits it.
Does the AV-8B use the carrier catapult?
The AV-8B normally makes a rolling short take-off from an amphibious assault ship and does not connect to a catapult.
Set the short-take-off stop and nozzles according to the Harrier's weight and available deck run, accelerate along the deck, then rotate the nozzles on the prescribed schedule. A nozzle angle copied from another load can produce either a premature lift-off with no acceleration or a run off the bow. Heavy Harriers need a longer deck run and favourable wind over the deck rather than an attempted vertical departure.
Why will the catapult not connect or launch?
Most failed DCS World carrier launches come from alignment, configuration or control-binding errors.
- Launch bar not extended: lower it before reaching the shuttle.
- Aircraft misaligned: back away if possible and approach the shuttle again at walking pace.
- Missing hook-up command: check the aircraft-specific controls for Catapult Hook Up and Salute rather than assuming the default keyboard commands.
- Wrong procedure for the carrier: animated deck crew and basic carriers do not always use the same attachment sequence.
- Catapult occupied: wait for the previous aircraft and deck crew to clear the launch area.
- Incomplete aircraft setup: folded wings, incorrect flaps, an unconfigured F-14 nose strut or an unresolved warning can stop the sequence.
- Frozen scripted deck sequence: clear the catapult and try the approach again. In multiplayer, the mission or server state may require re-slotting if the deck crew no longer responds.
Why does the aircraft sink after leaving the carrier?
A small settling movement can occur, but a continued descent usually means the aircraft was too heavy, incorrectly configured or launched with insufficient power.
- Confirm the launch weight is within the aircraft and carrier limits.
- Use the prescribed take-off flaps and weight-based trim.
- Reach the required launch power before saluting or releasing the aircraft.
- Do not retract the landing gear or flaps prematurely.
- Avoid pulling hard during the catapult stroke; excessive pitch can create drag or induce an unsafe departure.
- For ski-jump and short take-offs, reduce the load or improve the carrier's wind over the deck when editing the mission.
Carrier launches are easier to learn in a prepared scenario than on a crowded multiplayer deck. The recommended DCS training missions and practice drills cover the basic flying and repeatable launch practice needed before adding combat payloads.
Do you need the Supercarrier module?
You do not need Supercarrier for every carrier take-off, but specific detailed carriers, animated deck operations and associated communications depend on the assets available to the mission and player.
Basic carrier operations can use compatible ships already available to the mission, while Supercarrier procedures add deck directors and a more structured launch sequence. In either case, you still need a carrier-capable aircraft module and must use the procedure appropriate to that aircraft.