On June 5, the United States Navy successfully tested its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) for the first time aboard the Gerald R. Ford carrier by trying to launch a dead-load. A dead-load is a wheeled steel sled which weighs as much as a fighter jet. With the success of the test, they were able to examine that the EMALS can handle and launch 80,000 lbs of steel. Gerald R. Ford carrier (CVN 78) is the Pre-Commissioning Unit of the aircraft carrier which transits the James River where the 80,000-pound dead-load was launched.
"For the first time in over 60 years, we've just conducted 22 no load test shots using electricity instead of steam technology", said Rear Adm. Tom Moore, Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers of the US Navy. EMALS are designed to expand the operational capability of the Navy's future carriers. By using electromagnetic technology, substantial improvements in the system maintenance, improved reliability and efficiency, higher launch energy capacity, and more accurate speed control were delivered by the system. Upon its launch, the generators inside the ship produce an electromagnetic pulse, passing through power conditioning electronics to linear motors just below the flight deck. Compared to using steam technology, the advancement of electromagnetic technology provides smoother acceleration and ability to place less stress on the aircraft.
The EMALS is being developed to replace the old steam-powered catapult. With a burst of electromagnetic energy, a fighter jet could be launched more smoothly and efficiently. In addition, the carrier ships used to range from big to gigantic; however, the usual length of runways are not long enough for most jets to generate sufficient lift before they hover into the high seas and fight airborne. Furthermore, the bulk of a steam catapult consumes much space and weighs more than 1,300 lbs. This old system takes longer time to launch, and the lack of smoothness in the launch causes the body of the aircraft to wear. The Navy is hopeful that the new electromagnetic system could remedy those disadvantages brought by the steam-powered system.
To date, PCU Gerald R. Ford is 90 per cent complete and 1,550 Sailors have already reported for introduction and training. In the meantime, the US Navy shall continue on dead-lock testing and might take a little while before actual fighter jets are put into test.
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