Aircraft carrier towing rope energy storage

What is a wire rope towing hawser?

The wire rope towing hawsers found on aircraft carriers are 150 fathoms (900 feet) long and are made from 6 x 37 galvanized wire rope cable with eye splices and solid thimbles at each end. There are various types of end fit-tings. The types that are normally used as part of the synthetic fiber rope towing hawser are discussed below.

How many towing hawsers does a carrier have?

Carriers are equipped with 2 1/2-inch diameter 6 x 37 galvanized wire rope towing hawsers, 900 feet long. Some carriers are equipped with two 900-foot towing hawsers, while some have only one towing hawser. The towing hawsers are stored in the anchor handling compartment on a horizontal storage reel.

What are aircraft carrier arresting cables made of?

Steel seems to be what modern aircraft carrier arresting cables are made from. It's strong, provides some elasticity, and serves its purpose well. However, it does need to be changed after every so many traps due to metal fatigue (about every 125 landings from what I've heard). Why not use a more modern material such as Kevlar?

What makes US aircraft carriers unique?

With over 60 constructed and about 15 active, carriers are unique because they do not require permission of host countries for landing or overflight rights. Since World War II, the aircraft carrier has become the US Navy's choice of force.

How much power does a nuclear aircraft carrier have?

The power output of a nuclear aircraft carrier typically ranges from 260,000 to 280,000 horsepower. One horsepower (hp) or shaft horsepower (shp) is equal to 746 watts, the SI unit of power.

How long is an anchor chain on a towed ship?

For a towed ship, the anchor chain serves as the chafing chain and is usually lead out through the bow chock and attached to the towing hawser. The length of chain lead out from the bow ranges from five to 45 fathoms (30 to 270 feet).