Learn the FSX Acceleration carrier launch sequence, key commands and fixes for launch-bar, catapult and aircraft compatibility problems.
In FSX Acceleration, align a catapult-capable aircraft such as the default F/A-18 with the carrier shuttle, lower the launch bar with Shift+U, and attach it with Shift+I. Set take-off power, release the brakes, then press Shift+Spacebar to fire the catapult. The jet should launch automatically.
These are the default keyboard assignments; check the simulator's control settings if they do not respond. FSX: Steam Edition includes the Acceleration carrier features. With boxed FSX, the Acceleration expansion must be installed, either separately or as part of Gold Edition.
Exact FSX Acceleration catapult launch sequence
- Choose a compatible aircraft. Use the default Acceleration F/A-18 for the first attempt. It has the launch-bar configuration required by the built-in catapult system.
- Prepare the aircraft. Unfold the wings and set the flaps, trim and other controls for take-off before entering the catapult. The arrestor hook should normally remain raised; it is for landing, not launching.
- Line up with the catapult. Taxi slowly along the catapult centreline and place the nose gear at the shuttle. Merely parking on a painted catapult line is not enough—the aircraft must enter the active attachment zone.
- Lower the launch bar. Press
Shift+U. Use an external view if necessary to confirm that the bar beneath the nose has moved. - Attach to the shuttle. Press
Shift+Ito arm the launch assistance and connect the aircraft. On the default Acceleration carrier, the jet blast deflector rising behind the aircraft is a useful sign that the position is correct. - Apply take-off power. Hold the brakes while the engines spool up, then release them. A properly attached aircraft remains restrained; if it rolls forward, stop and reconnect rather than trying to launch.
- Fire the catapult. Press
Shift+Spacebar. Maintain the take-off attitude after leaving the bow, then retract the gear and flaps according to the aircraft's normal procedure.
Why won't the FSX carrier catapult launch?
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The launch bar does not move | The aircraft lacks a working launch bar, or the command has been reassigned | Test with the default F/A-18 and check the launch-bar control assignment |
Shift+I does not attach the aircraft | The nose gear is outside the catapult zone or not aligned | Taxi clear, re-centre on the catapult, lower the bar and arm it again |
| The aircraft rolls when the brakes are released | It never connected to the shuttle | Abort, reposition and confirm attachment before adding full power |
Shift+Spacebar does nothing | The catapult is not armed, or its key assignment has changed | Press Shift+I again and verify the catapult-launch assignment |
| The jet launches but drops towards the sea | Insufficient power, folded wings or an incorrect take-off configuration | Use full take-off power and configure the aircraft before attaching |
| The default carrier works but an add-on carrier does not | The add-on deck may be visual scenery without Acceleration catapult logic | Use a documented working catapult or the add-on's own launch system |
A mistake we see constantly is trying to use the arrestor hook to connect to the catapult. A tailhook only catches the landing wires; the launch bar and catapult-arm commands perform the take-off connection.
Can any FSX aircraft use a carrier catapult?
No. An FSX aircraft needs suitable launch-assistance configuration or a custom gauge; having a tailhook alone does not make it catapult-compatible. Testing the same carrier with the default F/A-18 quickly shows whether the problem belongs to the aircraft or the ship.
For compatible tailhook aircraft and carriers that need extra launch controls, the catapult gauge and carrier-operation tools in this package provide an alternative to the default system. Follow the package instructions because custom gauges may use commands different from Acceleration's standard shortcuts.
Where can I practise carrier launches in FSX?
The easiest approach is a flight or mission that places the aircraft on a working deck. Our ready-made F/A-18 carrier-launch scenario demonstrates the launch bar, blast shield, throttle and Shift+Spacebar sequence without requiring you to locate a ship first.
For free-flight practice, the moving carriers follow routes and may not remain at one fixed coordinate. These carrier routes and associated FSX flights make it easier to find an operational deck and repeat the procedure.