Naval Air: Advanced Recovery Control

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November 24, 2007: This month, the U.S. Navy began using the ARC (Advanced Recovery Control) system on one of its carriers (USS Ronald Reagan, CVN-76). ARC replaces the older, analog, system for operating the arresting cable (stretched across the deck) that stopped a landing aircraft by catching the tailhook found on carrier aircraft. ARC uses software and digital controls to monitor the landing, and put the arresting cable at the right position to stop landing jets. ARC is easier to use and maintain, and is more accurate. Thus it also reduces damage to aircraft and injuries to crews.