Hard Deck Simulations - Aircraft Carrier Module

This carrier module is the first aircraft carrier with functioning catapults and arrestor cables made for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

We set out to design a beautiful and functional aircraft carrier to be used with the vast number of military aircraft add-ons slated to launch for MSFS. The module was written in such a way that any aircraft - stock or add-on - can use the catapults and arrestor cables without any modification to the aircraft itself. The carriers work very well in multiplayer.

The carrier module includes two components included in a simple self-installer:

1. Scenery - five static, detailed Nimitz Class aircraft carriers positioned around the world
2. Software - HDS Carrier Module to enable catapult and arrestor cable functionality

This add-on does not include any aircraft, however it works with any stock or add-on aircraft you already have.

The addon is simple to use. Once installed you simply run the HDS Carrier Module software in the background while you fly.


Catapult launch - ***CRASHES MUST BE DISABLED***

The add-on detects when you are lined up for a catapult launch. Your launch speed is automatically calculated based on the physics of your aircraft, meaning the module works with every aircraft from a Cessna to fighter jets to 747s. To launch the aircraft, you simply set the parking brake, set full thrust, and release the parking brake to be launched off the deck.


Arrestor cable landing

Due to the current limitations of the SDK provided by Microsoft, tailhooks are not yet supported in the sim. HDS Carrier Module currently assumes your tailhook is extended at all times (we will update this as the SDK improves). To trigger an arrestor cable landing, simply line up with the runway, and land within the arrestor cables. HDS physics simulates the arrestor cable physics to bring the aircraft to a stop.


Aircraft carriers

Aircraft carriers have been positioned in various locations around the globe. Over time more locations may be added as we continue to update the add-on:

• Key west - ICAO: CAR1
• San Fransisco (270 at 5 miles) - ICAO: CAR2
• New York - ICAO: CAR3
• Gibraltar - ICAO: CAR4 Dubai - ICAO: CARR

Current limitations due to the MSFS SDK

We hope to add these features as the SDK from Microsoft matures over time:

• Carriers must be placed as static scenery and cannot be dynamically spawned by the user
• Carriers are static and do not move. This is a limitation of the capabilities of placing AI objects in the current SDK. This is highest on our list of new features.
• Animations - jet blast doors and cables cannot be dynamically animated yet
• Tailhooks are not currently implemented. To work around this, it is assumed your tailhook is always down.
• It is currently impossible to add runway lights to the carrier. This will be updated once the SDK is more mature.