General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced today that more than 3,000 catapult launches and landing arrestments using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system have been successfully and safely completed aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). This milestone marks a significant achievement for the ship and crew, as the Navy moves towards a goal of 8,000 aircraft launches and arrestments during at-sea events scheduled through the end of 2020. Since January, CVN 78 has multiplied the total expected number of launch and landing evolutions by a factor of four.
EMALS and AAG put through the paces day and night on CVN 78, utilizing a range of aircraft including F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, C-2A Greyhounds, EA-18G Growlers, and T-45C Goshawks. GA-EMS is delivering EMALS and AAG for the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) and USS Enterprise (CVN 80). Significant cost savings are being realized through multiple ship production contracts, which minimize gaps in production while maximizing planning, scheduling and delivery to support all three Ford-class carriers.
Both systems’ capabilities are being rigorously exercised to meet the daily objectives for cats and traps in support of the various squadrons undergoing carrier qualification (CQ) and training aboard CVN 78. In addition to marking the 3,000 milestone, on May 19, the ship performed 167 successful launches and recoveries in a single day, breaking the previous record of 135. As the only CQ asset regularly available on the East Coast this year, we look forward to EMALS and AAG continuing to meet and exceed performance requirements as more instructors and student pilots come aboard to train and pursue their wings of gold.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) Group is a global leader in the research, design, and manufacture of first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS’ history of research, development, and technology innovation has led to an expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions supporting aviation, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and processing and monitoring applications for critical defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
