The Early Cold War
Naval Aviation

Between 1946 and 1970, Canada's navy operated three aircraft carriers to help fulfil its anti-submarine mission and to help protect ships against enemy aircraft. These carriers required specialized equipment, procedures, and training for their crews.

Grumman Tracker Launch, HMCS Bonaventure

Flight deck crew aboard HMCS Bonaventure stand at their stations as the carrier's steam catapult launches a Grumman Tracker.

A flight deck officer (second from left), part of the team responsible for flight deck operations and aircraft movements, gives a launch signal with a flag. A steel cable called a bridle attaches the aircraft to the catapult piston, visible just to the left of the Tracker's nose gear. The powerful catapult would accelerate the Tracker to a speed of almost 200 kilometres per hour within a distance of some 35 metres.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19900076-974