I keep seeing comments asking that the developers put arresting gear into the game.
I think we can do it with what we already have.
In 1921/2, I think, they were testing the viability of ship board operation of aircraft. Phase one was landing. They put a hook on a biplane, and a raised deck on a cargo ship. Across the deck, the set many ropes, with sand bags at the ends. That test was successful. Ropes = Hinge Chain with zeroed weight.
I'll also add, that tail hooks are pneumatically actuated. This gives them sping to stay in contact with the deck, so as not to bounce over the cables. So, set some light springs.
You will need to put the plane (with the tail hook up) and the cables in the same designer, to get everything loaded. I would suggest a slow, easy flier for initial testing.
To make things easy on yourself, test on a land base.
If you have a reasonable design, tag me on that page, and I will give you a vote for the effort.
Thank You, @Moosehouse
@jamesPLANESii See below. [I forgot to hit reply]
The chain is the biggest parts problem I see. Only the center needs full flexibility. The outer parts can use fuselage sections between hinges. I'm on a very slow tablet, so I can't really do many parts.
Try testing using a car with a hook.
Add weight and speed to the car until it simulates aircraft forces. Target top speed is 120 - 150 mph,for modern, 40 - 70 mph for biplanes. That is real life. If your plane stalls before that, it is not real life, unless your are the space shutle. Target weight depends on the aircraft
Hmm... I'm thinking of a way right now! It might have a lot of parts tho...
The tension on a modern arresting cable becomes greater as it is pulled out farther. Otherwise, the hook would snap or would be too heavy for the tail (CoM). It also makes the cable last longer.
@MechWARRIOR57 I did think of that. The key is to make the tension gradually increase, either by catching multiple cables (as was done in the original test) or by some variable geometry (as is done today).
thing is that parts aren't very strong. we may be able to make this, but either the wire or the gear will snap