General Atomics sees launch and landing systems on the right track

Despite the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, General Atomics expects to deliver the electromagnetic launch system and the advanced arresting gear (AAG) for the two aircraft carriers currently under construction on time. Gerald R. Ford-class is not jeopardised. Instead of the steam-powered catapults on the Nimitz-class, the new carriers will be equipped with the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (Emals). It should be easier to maintain and ready for use again more quickly after a launch. The first aircraft carrier and namesake of the new class recently announced that 8,157 take-offs and landings had already been successfully carried out with the modern system during the ship's test voyages. More than 400 pilots and trainee pilots were able to renew their qualifications for landing on a carrier or obtain them for the first time.
For the John F. Kennedythe next aircraft carrier of the Ford-class, General Atomics says it has already delivered 97 per cent of the parts for Emals and AAG. The ship is due to be officially commissioned by the US Navy next year. For the third unit, the USS Enterprise25 per cent have already been built, tested and delivered.

Text: mb; Photo: US Navy/General Atomics