> I wonder how much fuel and maintenance could be saved Maintenance? Catapults are notoriously finicky and expensive to operate. Also the additional stresses

> I wonder how much fuel and maintenance could be saved Maintenance? Catapults are notoriously finicky and expensive to operate. Also the additional stresses on the airframe couldn't possibly reduce maintenance. If anything (assuming they could withstand them), they would require more inspections. Catapults only solve the problem of not having enough runway. And you'll notice that fighter jets taking off from carries will be on full thrust and full reheat.