Revolutionary Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System

The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for CVN 78 and all future Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. The launching system is designed to expand the operational capability of the U.S. Navy's future carriers. The mission and function of EMALS remains the same as traditional steam catapult; however, it employs entirely different technologies. EMALS uses stored kinetic energy and solid-state electrical power conversion. This technology permits a high degree of computer control, monitoring, and automation. The system will also provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms - lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters.

Transcript

00:00:09 CAPT. JOHN MEIER (VO): For the last 60 years the Navy’s relied on steam-powered catapults to launch our aircraft.The electromagnetic aircraft launch system, EMALS, has been installed and tested on the first two catapults onboard Gerald R Ford. EMALS greatly expands the limited ability of the steam-powered catapults in terms of being able to launch heavier aircraft, but also lighter aircraft, with a linear acceleration curve that will reduce the wear and tear on the aircraft. EMALS is built much differently than the steam system; it’s designed and built with maintenance in mind, so the maintenance requirements are reduced. EMALS will revolutionize the way that we launch the aircraft, today and into the future, for this new class of aircraft carrier.