The FJ series test article was flown in sea trials by Bob Hoover and it was in fact an F-86 modified with minimal sea going mods. They learned a lot from the trials as the airplane's fuselage was badly wrinkled after the series of arrested landings.
From the Bob Hoover autobiography.
I thought a neat idea for C/L Carrier would be to use a blown foam scale EDF model in the 36 to 42 inch size. They're light and fast yet can be slowed down enough for a landing. Though probably not a good "hanging" model, it might be fun.
Chris...