Military

Electromagnetic system to replace steam launches on US Navy carriers

Electromagnetic system to replace steam launches on US Navy carriers
An F/A-18C Hornet is launched from a test runway using EMALS (Image: US Navy)
An F/A-18C Hornet is launched from a test runway using EMALS (Image: US Navy)
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An F/A-18C Hornet is launched from a test runway using EMALS (Image: US Navy)
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An F/A-18C Hornet is launched from a test runway using EMALS (Image: US Navy)
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye launches successfully using EMALS(Image: US Navy)
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E-2D Advanced Hawkeye launches successfully using EMALS(Image: US Navy)
C-2A Greyhound prepares for launch (Image: US Navy)
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C-2A Greyhound prepares for launch (Image: US Navy)
T-45C Goshawk prepares for launch (Image: US Navy)
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T-45C Goshawk prepares for launch (Image: US Navy)
An F/A-18E Super Hornet prepares to launch (Image: US Navy)
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An F/A-18E Super Hornet prepares to launch (Image: US Navy)
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye prepares for launch (Image: US Navy)
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E-2D Advanced Hawkeye prepares for launch (Image: US Navy)
An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye launches uses EMALS (Image: US Navy)
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An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye launches uses EMALS (Image: US Navy)
An F-35C Lightning II test aircraft prepares for first EMALS launch (Image: US Navy)
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An F-35C Lightning II test aircraft prepares for first EMALS launch (Image: US Navy)
C-2A Greyhound launched using EMALS (Image: US Navy)
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C-2A Greyhound launched using EMALS (Image: US Navy)
C-2A Greyhound after successful EMALS launch (Image: US Navy)
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C-2A Greyhound after successful EMALS launch (Image: US Navy)
An F-35C Lightning II awaiting first EMALS launch (Image: US Navy)
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An F-35C Lightning II awaiting first EMALS launch (Image: US Navy)
Crew preparing to launch T-45C Goshawk using EMALS (Image: US Navy)
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Crew preparing to launch T-45C Goshawk using EMALS (Image: US Navy)
An F/A-18E Super Hornet is launched by EMALS (Image: US Navy)
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An F/A-18E Super Hornet is launched by EMALS (Image: US Navy)
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (Image: US Navy)
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The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (Image: US Navy)
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A fighter plane taking off from a strike carrier is a dramatic sight – not the least because of the woosh and plume of steam as the catapult blasts the aircraft into the air. In a few years, such launches may still be dramatic, but they’ll also be a bit quieter and very plume-free. That’s because the US Navy has completed testing of its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS); clearing it for use on the new Gerald R Ford-class aircraft carriers.

When the Navy launched an F/A-18C Hornet for the first time as part of the second and final test phase of the EMALS at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey land-based test site, it opened the way for the system’s deployment on US aircraft carriers starting with the USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) that is currently under construction at the Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard in Newport News, Virginia.

Under development for over 25 years, EMALS is the first new carrier catapult technology in 60 years to advance to practical application. Instead of using a piston forced along by a head of steam, it uses computer-controlled, solid-state electrics to propel an armature down a track.

The EMALS is designed to replace the steam-powered launch system that has been the standard on strike carriers since the 1950s. According to the Navy, EMALS is capable of being used by a wide variety of aircraft, is near-silent, and enjoys smoother acceleration and a more consistent launch speed. It also has higher launch energy, is more reliable, mechanically simpler, and is easier to maintain.

The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (Image: US Navy)
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (Image: US Navy)

EMALS has already been tested in the first phase of ACT testing that ended in 2011 and included 134 manned launches of aircraft, including the F/A-18E Super Hornet, T-45C Goshawk, C-2A Greyhound, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and F-35C Lightning II. The second phase, which ended in April, saw launches of the EA-18G Growler and F/A-18C Hornet. In all, 452 manned launches were conducted.

"The successful manned-aircraft test launches replicated various carrier situations to demonstrate that the catapult would provide the required aircraft end-speed and to validate EMALS launch-critical reliability," says George Sulich, EMALS integrated test team lead.

The EMALS has already been installed on the Gerald R Ford and will also be included on all subsequent Ford-class carriers. In late 2015, the Gerald R Ford will conduct dead-load launches using weighted sleds in anticipation of later manned tests.

"This is an amazing and pivotal time for naval aviation," says Captain Frank Morley, who leads the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265). "Who would have thought 35 years ago that the Hornet would launch from anything other than steam catapult technology. We are fortunate to witness this historic milestone."

Morley added that the USS Gerald R Ford is projected to be completed in 2016, with at-sea EMALS aircraft launches scheduled to begin shortly thereafter.

Source: US Navy

View gallery - 14 images
4 comments
4 comments
BigGoofyGuy
There was a show about Disney. It showed that one of their roller coasters were launched this way. It indicated in the show that the military was looking into using a similar system for launching planes. I guess they have been working on it ever since. The show was on many years ago.
Birdfarmer
Enjoyed reading this article, but when the author(s) say that EMAG launches will be less noisy, they just don't know birdfarms (carriers). While the catapault will be virtually silent as they say, there are these little things called jet aircraft engines that are noisy all the time and just at launch go to afterburner (translation - extremely noisy). My work space was immediately below the number-1 catapault on board my carrier. We had to wear foam earplugs and the larger 'muff-type' ear protectors over them . . . why? Well, there's this OTHER little thing called a Jet Blast Deflector that goes up and down all the time during launches, and the hydraulics on that thing are enormous - as is the noise they make. It was like working within a major waterfall when it was operating. Finally on the noise issue, planes have to land, and the most 'Gosh-awful noise I have ever experienced' onboard is when the plane comes in and 'catches a wire'. The scream is earth (or ear) shattering! - a huge, descending tone screech repeated every minute or two as the wire catches the plane and rolls out, expanding from another set of pistons/hydraulics - until the flight is recovered. Oh, and we shouldn't forget the jet engines as the planes land - at afterburner to ensure a safe takeoff if they miss the wire. So shipmates, don't throw away your ear-gear anytime soon! Now on another issue I am sure the "Experts" have all taken care of perfectly. This thing is powered by electromagnetism, right? Have they hardened it against a tactical (or larger) nuke that emits electromagnetic pulses? I'm sure the 'public answer' is YES. But I'd hate to bet my entire offensive strike capability on it. Remember, as most of us who have served aboard know very well - aircraft carrier without strike capability is spelled T-A-R-G-E-T!
P51d007
perhaps they were talking about how loud those steam cats are "downstairs".
Charles S Roscoe
It is shielded against and EMP ..........right?