General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced today that 10,000 catapult launches and arrested landings using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) have been successfully and safely completed aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). The first-in-class aircraft carrier completed Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) in March 2022 and is now preparing for its upcoming deployment. Under multiple contracts with the Navy, GA-EMS is now supporting CVN 78 sustainment requirements and delivering EMALS and AAG for the next two Ford-class carriers currently under construction, John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) and Enterprise (CVN 80). GA-EMS is also working with the Navy to determine EMALS and AAG contract and schedule requirements for the fourth Ford-class aircraft carrier, Doris Miller (CVN 81).
“Over the past two years, EMALS and AAG have been rigorously exercised utilizing aircraft in the current air wing. The systems continue to perform successfully in operational, carrier qualification, and training environments and under all weather conditions. EMALS and AAG offer robust capabilities that are proving transformative, providing greater availability, efficiency, and flexibility to safely launch the air wing of today while standing ready to support new aircraft as they join the air wing of the future. We are extremely proud of our team and the ship’s crew as they continue to meet each new milestone and steadily work toward bringing “Warship 78″ to the fleet,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS.
EMALS uses electromagnetic technology to launch aircraft from the deck of naval aircraft carriers and offers significant benefits over current launch systems: Increased launch operational ability, Flexible architecture to suit different platforms, Capable of launching wide range of aircraft weights, Reduced manning and lifecycle cost, Reduced thermal signature and Reduced topside weight and installed volume. AAG is a turbo-electric system designed for controlled and reliable deceleration of aircraft. The AAG system provides significant benefits over current recovery systems: Higher availability and safety margins, Operational capability to recover projected air wing, Reduced manning and maintenance and Self-diagnosis and maintenance alerts.
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. General Atomics is an American energy and defense corporation headquartered in San Diego, California, specializing in research and technology development. This includes physics research in support of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion energy.
