The Largest Jets and Planes That Can Land on Aircraft Carriers

The United States has a long history of testing the limits of aviation on its aircraft carriers. One notable event occurred on October 30, 1963, when a US Marine C-130F, on loan to Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, made a takeoff and landing on the USS Forrestal.

Notable Test Flights

Ted Limmer, a Lockheed Georgia test pilot, served as the safety pilot during this historic event. Limmer was an experienced aviator, having flown dive bombers and the P-51 Mustang during World War II with the SD National Guard. He later served as the commander of the Georgia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, where the author and Limmer's sons were fellow members.

Historic Flights on Aircraft Carriers

While there are no records of a larger plane landing on an aircraft carrier being routinely performed, the C-130 Hercules demonstrated its capability during such tests. These tests aimed to determine if and how large aircraft could operate from these floating airfields.

The C-130 Hercules is one of the largest planes that have successfully landed and taken off from an aircraft carrier. However, it is important to note that these tests were infrequent and experimental in nature.

Largest Aircraft

The largest plane to land on a carrier was the C-130 Hercules. On the other hand, the largest jet to operate from a carrier was the A-5 Vigilante.

Other Notable Aircraft

The A-3 Sky Warrior (also known as the Whale) was another significant aircraft. This bomber was designed for both reconnaissance missions and combat operations.

The A-5 Vigilante was similar in length but lighter with shorter wings. Notably, the Vigilante was a supersonic aircraft whereas the Sky Warrior was subsonic. The Vigilante was primarily used for reconnaissance but could also serve as a bomber.

Modern Operations

Today, E-2 Hawkeyes are the most common aircraft operating from US carriers on a daily basis. However, the C-130 Hercules demonstrated its capability during a study to see if it could be used for similar operations.

While the C-130 Hercules is considered one of the biggest planes that could land on an aircraft carrier, it was an experimental flight that was not deemed worth repeating. The A-3 Sky Warrior did see more regular service, with a launch weight of around 80,000 pounds.