The 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 addons slated to launch for MSFS. The module was written in such a way that any aircraft, stock or addon, can use the catapults and arrestor cables without any modification to the aircraft itself. The carriers work great in multiplayer.
The carrier module includes two components included in a simple self-installer:
Scenery - 5 static, detailed Nimitz Class aircraft carriers positioned around the world
Software - HDS Carrier Module to enable catapult and arrestor cable functionality
This addon does not include any aircraft, however, it works with any stock or addon 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 launch off the deck.
Arrestor Cable Landing
Due to the current limitations of the SDK provided by Microsoft, tailhooks are not yet supported in the game. 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.
FLOS - Optical Landing System
An optical landing system has been implemented into the software which will appear when on approach to the carrier. The FLOS provides vertical guidance in reference to the glidepath that the aircraft is on. If the FLOS "ball" is above the two bright green datum lines, the aircraft is above the flight path. Similiary if the "ball" is below the green datum lines, the aircraft is below the glidepath. You can enable and disable FLOS from the HDS software window. You can drag the FLOS around on your screen and HDS will remember it's position for the next approach.
Aircraft carriers have been positioned in various locations around the globe. Over time more locations may be added as we continue to update the addon.
Key west - ICAO: CAR1
San Fransisco (270 at 5 miles) - ICAO: CAR2
New York - ICAO: CAR3
Gibraltar - ICAO: CAR4
Dubai - ICAO: CAR5
Requirements
Due to the high detail of the carrier model and the software running in the background we recommend a system that meets or exceeds the following requirements.
CPU: 3.5GHz quad-core processor or better
GPU: at least 4GB dedicated memory, Nvidia 960 or better recommended
Great fun to use, works nicely and the add on to use arrest cables is great and with free carriers means can have loads more landing places. Thank for Hard Deck for these great Carriers.
Pretty good but it is to note that the key, as I write this, is single activation only. You can deactivate the key if you're switching computer to use it on an other one but if you want to use the add-on on multiple computers only or you can't deactivate the key for whatever reason you'll need to contact the developer.
Very good purchase!
I highly recommend it!
When landing, make sure that the plane has little fuel, especially when the landing speed is over 130 knots.
At night the runway is not lit as in airports along the way, but the headlights from the deck shine brightly enough for you to make the landing.
I absolutely love this mod. After installation, I flew cat shots and traps over and over. As a former Naval Aircrewman, I can tell you this is a blast.
The implementation is limited right now due to SDK constraints, however I have no doubt that over time this will be refined and improved.
Perfect addon for the sim, can be challenging for some aircraft, but after a few fly arounds, aced every time now. The whole world can be a carrier if want.
This add-on is absolutely incredible in light of the technical challenges of the MSFS platform. Launching via catapult is one of the most incredible experiences I've had in this game, and I laugh like a little kid each time I do it. Well worth the 15 bucks.
Amazing add-on! Have a lot fun with it. It works great with MB-339 and Eurofighter Typhoon. Catapult is working with every plane and there is a different speed for every one of them. Cables are also working great with every aircraft and all of the textures are in high quality. It's also being updated regularly. In my opinion it is worth its price.