An aircraft catapult is a device used to allow aircraft to take off in a limited distance, typically from the deck of a vessel. They can also be installed on land-based runways, although this is rarely done. They are usually used on aircraft carriers as a form of assisted take off.
F-14 Tomcat preparing to connect to a catapult on USS Saratoga
Samuel Langley's catapult, houseboat and unsuccessful man-carrying Aerodrome (1903)
A Supermarine Walrus being launched from the catapult of HMS Bermuda (1943)
Test launch of a Hurricane using the rocket-catapult of a CAM ship, Greenock, Scotland, 31 May 1941
The flight deck of an aircraft carrier is the surface from which its aircraft take off and land, essentially a miniature airfield at sea. On smaller naval ships which do not have aviation as a primary mission, the landing area for helicopters and other VTOL aircraft is also referred to as the flight deck. The official U.S. Navy term for these vessels is "air-capable ships".
Flight deck of Charles de Gaulle, catapults are installed on aircraft carriers in three countries.
Eugene Ely's first landing, on the armored cruiser USS Pennsylvania
HMS Argus showing the full-length flight deck from bow to stern
ROKS Dokdo's full length flight deck
