Zero-length launch

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The F-100D Super Sabre was tested with a zero-length launch (ZELL) system in the late 1950s to explore rapid deployment of fighter jets without relying on runways. The ZELL system used a rocket booster attached to the aircraft, propelling it into the air from a stationary platform. This concept was designed for situations where airfields might be destroyed in conflict, enabling fighters to operate from improvised or remote locations. During tests, the F-100D successfully demonstrated its ability to take off vertically with the rocket booster, but challenges such as recovery logistics and the strain on pilots and aircraft limited the system's practicality. Ultimately, the ZELL concept was abandoned in favor of more conventional solutions.

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For those wondering the purpose of this design:

It's about having something compact, easy to deploy with low maintenance and no infrastructure

So you can launch an aircraft in all conditions and terrains

+ Surfing a rocket is freaking cool!

Victor-rxkh

I've watched this ten times and it keeps getting better!

onkcuf

this was also used on the F104
very cool!

kaidendshk

Zero length was my nickname in high school. ☠️

thefreedomchopper

Considering the plane was airborne in approximately 5 seconds and 160 knots (300 km/h, 185 miles/h, 80 m/s) takeoff speed, average acceleration is 1.6 gs. Which is pretty mild. An average human generates approximately the same acceleration when jumping.

Edit: I somehow made the mistake of using completely nonsense units for calculating the g force and found 6gs!? Fixed this.

aslanirmak

The pilots would be experiencing both Heavens and Hells at the same time with those G forces

USER..

Very cool. I see a lot of comments about landing. I don't see that being an issue. For simplicity, let's imagine an aircraft only has a maximum range of 1000 miles. Conventionally, you could only conduct missions where the target is 500 miles away. 500 miles out and 500 miles back puts you at your max range. Also consider that during that 500 mile trip to the target, you are vulnerable to radar, anti-aircraft weapons as well as enemy aircraft. With this system you could conceivably position your aircraft far further forward than any airbase or carrier before launching. For example you could transport the aircraft on the ground to where you're launching 100 miles from the target, conduct the mission and have 900 miles of range left to get home, or even conduct a secondary mission prior to RTB. With this system, I think landing would be less of a concern because you would presumable have much more of your max range left. This would also allow for lesser fuel loads depending on distances. Less fuel means less weight, more maneuverability, and/or higher payload (i.e. more bombs).

Not to mention the element of surprise, which is a huge advantage in warfare. Imagine popping up on the enemy's radar, not as soon as you enter the radars range and they have plenty of time to react and scramble fighters, but instead when you're already a few minutes away.

aceindiana

VA letter to the pilot: We have determined your neck injury not to be service related

Cruisey

My grandfather was involved with this tech at General Dynamics using the F-102 and F-106 airframes.

hanshart

This is cool. Always liked the Sabre Jets of the early '60s!!

USCG.Brennan

"Why did you launch a missile?"

"No! We were just having flying lessons"

VeNoM_x

I watched two F104 Starfighters take off the same way from the back of two trucks in Germany during a parade for the Queen of England ( her husband was the company commander) in 1965

busterblond

All the back and forth aside it is probably pretty similar to a carrier catapult launch.
Airspeed a certain percentage prior to rocket separation and prior to that the rocket is provided all of the lift with pure thrust.

andrewwerner