F/A-18 cat launch automation

Can someone explain to me how the aviator initiates the launch sequence for
a cat launch in the F/A-18, and how long the aircraft flies itself before
the pilot takes over?

What is the last button/switch the pilot activates before the catapult
tosses him off the boat and how does the aircraft know it's going to control
the takeoff? I understand the aviator follows hand signals to be positioned
onto the cat, runs the engines to mil power or higher, salutes, grabs the
towel bars, head back, weeeeeeeee! What does the pilot do to indicate
"george" will be flying the launch and how long will the aircraft fly itself
and does the pilot initiate the post-launch turn?

Is the cat launch the only takeoff in the bug or rhino where the rudders are
both deployed inboard for extra nose-up? How do you activate that feature?

--

Scott

What Barack Obama learned from the Communist Party http://tinyurl.com/5bgbpu
Democrats to America's drivers: "Let them ride bikes."
http://tinyurl.com/5z5vg7