-Among other advantages... "The system promises to allow the Navy to launch a wider range of aircraft from a carrier -- including everything from lightweight unmanned aircraft to heavy strike fighters -- and do so while also bringing "substantial improvements" to weight, maintenance, & efficiency."
-BIG VIEW: [HERE] (and video below)
-HT: posted by: ACE - (from CDR M)
A commenter says:-Caption: LAKEHURST, N.J. (Dec. 16, 2010)
"Interesting. The U.S. Navy is getting into the 21st Century in a big way. They're working on electromagnetic rail guns and now this. IIRC, future ships are going to have electric propulsion like some large cruise ships too thus eliminating the need for long shafts and tons of heavy machinery that are associated with that method."
The Navy launches the first aircraft, an F/A-18E Super Hornet, from the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) at Naval Air Systems Command, Lakehurst, N.J. The Navy has used steam catapults for more than 50 years to launch aircraft from aircraft carriers.
EMALS is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and future Ford-class carriers. Newer, heavier and faster aircraft will result in launch energy requirements approaching the limits of the steam catapult, increasing maintenance on the system.
U.S. Navy Release:
The system's technology allows for a smooth acceleration at both high and low speeds, increasing the carrier's ability to launch aircraft in support of the warfighter.
EMALS will provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms from lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles to heavy strike fighters.
First ship components scheduled delivery to CVN 78 -2011.
No comments:
Post a Comment