The first cats were hydraulic, some even had counterweights to launch (very light)planes.
The Brits were the smartest(Sea Harrier). Too bad they associated themselves into the crazy world of Lockheed Martin and F-35(JSF) project, Harrier still had(has) place to grow.
Well, they always build interceptors and multi-use craft to counter threats that no other power besides China could field :lol:
Stealth? OK, fine - works great for knocking out anti-aircraft installations...but then again, so does a cruise missile. As for the US Navy, all they need for a battle group interceptor is a plane that can load up as many pershing missiles as possible.
er..sorry bout that. /ramble off.