Conventional takeoff and landing

With respect to carrier-capable aircraft, conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) means that it will be catapult-launched. It will land with the tailhook and arresting wire system.

CTOL also refers to non-carrier-capable aircraft that need long runways for takeoff and landing, such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35A Lightning II. Some aircraft, such as the Su-27, have both carrier-capable (Su-27K) and non-carrier-capable types.

CTOL aircraft will remain the primary aircraft type for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, and will be at least partially in use for planned French and U.K. carriers. A CTOL aircraft, such as the F-18 Super Hornet and developmental F-35C Lighting II, can have much higher performance than a STOVL aircraft, which are used on the smaller carriers of other nations, and for U.S. Navy/Marine amphibious warfare aircraft such as the AV-8B Harrier II and future F-35B Lightning II STOVL multirole fighter.