"Mike Beede" wrote

You still havent explained how they are supposed to move
a 102ft long aircraft below decks using a 65ft long elevator

I thought one end of the elevator on a carrier was usually
just sticking out into space. Can't you let the nose do likewise?
If the nose isn't long enough (I have no reference that allows
me to tell) even if it's parked diagonally, then you would have
to build something to extend the elevator (which would
presumably be expensive).

Still won't work.
Take a look at the overhead drawing at the bottom of
http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/exhibits_a-blackbird.html
Making the large assumption that this is to scale, and assuming the
starboard/aft square is the starboard elevator, and the pentagon right in
front of the A-12 silhouette is the (now sealed?) centerline elevator. how
would it fit? Both elevators are way too small. The widest part of the wings
look like a really tight fit on the starboard/aft, even diagonally. And a
complete non starter on the centerline.

Here's a pic of an A-4 on (I think) the centerline elevator. Huge difference
in size between an A-4 and the A-12.
http://www.warships1.com/UScv11_Intr...ator-Gogey.jpg

Can't get it belowdecks without cutting some major steel...either ship or
aircraft.

Pete


Regards,

Mike