Which type of seat catapult is more efficient and employed in more advanced, high-speed aircraft?

The rocket catapult is considered more efficient and is commonly employed in advanced, high-speed aircraft due to its ability to produce a high thrust-to-weight ratio. This type of catapult uses solid rocket propulsion to launch an aircraft, allowing for a rapid deployment that is particularly beneficial during critical takeoff and landing phases in high-performance environments.

The design of rocket catapults allows for quicker response times and less runway space is required, which can be essential in military applications and on aircraft carriers where space is limited. Additionally, the deployment of a rocket catapult can be quickly controlled and activated, providing more precision in launching aircraft under various conditions.

Other types of catapults, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems, while effective for certain aircraft, do not match the efficiency and high-speed capabilities of a rocket catapult in contemporary, high-performance aerospace scenarios. Manual catapults, being less advanced, are not suitable for modern high-speed aircraft requiring rapid and automated launch capabilities.