Supercarrier aircraft catapults are one of the most impressive feats of naval engineering, allowing fighter jets and other aircraft to launch from a moving ship at speeds sufficient for takeoff in ...

The first catapult launch system was installed on a stationary coal barge, which shot a biplane on Nov. 12, 1912, but the test ended with a crash the pilot fortunately walked away from.

Although it may sound like a high-tech concept, the naval catapult has been around for about as long as planes have. The ...