CDR Chisholm explained to the "Blackshoe":
F-4 was launched with a bridle, big cable strung
from catapult to two hooks under A/C.
Here's a couple good photos (in this case an A-4 Whale- but the same idea):

http://members.cox.net/eholmes333/soun-pg5.html


Larry
AECS (AW/SW/MTS)
Disabled Combat Veteran
USN Retired

20 years of Navy in my rear view mirror
and getting further away every day ;-)

"Pechs1" wrote in message
...
james- Could someone explain to a blackshoe what a "bridle slap" is/was.
Assume this
had nothing to do with martrimony :-)
BRBR


Pardon my spelling up front. F-4 was launched with a bridle, big cable
strung
from catapult to two hooks under A/C. Unless ya wanted to throw it away
each
launch, it was held by a rope made setup called the vanselm. It consisted
of
some rope that were attached to brass sliders that went the length of the
cat
track(brass for no sparks). Sometimes these sliders would pop out,
smacking the
F-4 centerline tank, puncturing it, with thr A/B igniting the fuel that
was
a'sreaming out. No big deal, just come outta A/B, fire stopped. Either let
the
fuel drain out or jettison CL before recovery, look for a tanker or
yo-yo(make
the recovery immediately following your launch).
P. C. Chisholm
CDR, USN(ret.)
Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye
Phlyer