8 sept. 2015 by US Navy
The new Electromagnetic Launching System (EMALS) is tested aboard Pre-Commissioned Unit USS Gerald R. Ford.
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8 sept. 2015 by US Navy
The new Electromagnetic Launching System (EMALS) is tested aboard Pre-Commissioned Unit USS Gerald R. Ford.
16 juin 2015 by US Navy
NEWPORT News, Va. (June 15, 2015) Pre-commissioing Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) conducts dead-load testing of the The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) . (U.S. Navy video/Released)
Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for CVN 78 and all future Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. The launching system is designed to expand the operational capability of the Navy’s future carriers. The mission and function of EMALS remains the same as traditional steam catapult; however, it employs entirely different technologies. EMALS uses stored kinetic energy and solid-state electrical power conversion. This technology permits a high degree of computer control, monitoring and automation. The system will also provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms – lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters.
EMALS delivers: • Necessary higher launch energy capacity • Substantial improvements in system weight, volume and maintenance • Increased reliability and efficiency • More accurate end-speed control
EMALS is funded by the CVN 21 program and will be forward fit only for U.S. Ford-class carriers, beginning with Gerald R Ford (CVN 78).
Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) engineers, logisticians and program analysts at NAWCAD Lakehurst have provided integral EMALS support since EMALS’ inception in 1982. The team at Lakehurst provides EMALS life-cycle acquisition management in support of the ALRE Program Office (PMA 251) to include program management, systems engineering, financial analysis, logistics and test and evaluation.
Furthermore, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is home to a land-based, ship-representative EMALS, allowing for the testing of hardware and software aspects of the system.
5 juin 2015 by US Navy
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (June 5, 2015) U.S. Navy Sailors, civilian employees and contractors observed a "dead-load" test of the new electromagnetic aircraft launching system (EMALS) aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). The weighted sled was launched into the James River where it was recovered for additional test launches. (U.S. Navy video/Released)
9 March 2015 Pacific Sentinel
A recently unveiled satellite photo showing China testing an aircraft carrier launch system has led experts to believe China has made a breakthrough in the design of its catapult system.
China Central Television (CCTV) reported that the catapult being tested to help planes take off quickly is more efficient than the "ski-jump" ramp used to launch aircraft on China's first carrier, the Liaoning.
The report said the catapult enables aircraft to be launched quickly, upgrading their combat efficiency.
Li Li, a military expert in China, said catapult takeoff device technology is currently dominated by the United States, but if the satellite photo is true, it means that China has "made a groundbreaking and strategic breakthrough" in aircraft carrier technology.
Li said both steam and electromagnetic catapults are used to launch aircraft, with the United States the first country to use the electromagnetic launch system.
Read the full story at Want China Times
Aug 12, 2014 ASDNews Source : Naval Air Systems Command
The Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) shipyard in Newport News, Virginia is all abuzz as below deck-testing of the Navy’s newest aircraft launch system begins aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
Following months of large-scale hardware deliveries containing critical components of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and shipboard installation by HII, teams from the government and industry partner General Atomics completed installation of the software — the brains of the new system. Below deck-testing began Aug. 11 with the Launch Control Subsystem, the first of many subsystem assessments on the path toward EMALS shipboard certification.
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Jul 3, 2013 ASDNews Source : Naval Air Systems Command
The U.S. Navy successfully launched an EA-18G Growler on June 25, kicking off the second phase of manned aircraft launch tests using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS).
The new aircraft carrier catapult system, which is replacing steam catapults beginning with the new Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, commenced aircraft compatibility testing (ACT) phase two from the land-based test site at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
“As we move into the second phase of aircraft testing, I’m confident we’ll continue to see the breadth of EMALS’ robust design and operational capability,” said Capt. James Donnelly, program manager for Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Program Office (PMA-251) who oversees the EMALS.
George Sulich, EMALS integrated test team lead, said this phase of testing will simulate various carrier situations, including off-center launches and planned system faults to demonstrate that the aircraft can meet end-speed and validate launch-critical reliability.
The team expects to conduct more than 300 launches this year, Sulich said.
“During ACT 2, we will launch every aircraft currently utilizing today’s carrier catapults, with the exception of the E-2C Hawkeye,” Sulich said.
The EMALS team completed the first phase of aircraft compatibility testing fall 2011 with 133 manned aircraft launches, comprising the F/A-18E Super Hornet, T-45C Goshawk, C-2A Greyhound, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. The team also had an early opportunity to launch the F-35C Lightning II to evaluate any technical risks.
This was the first EMALS launch for the Growler, an electronic attack variant of the Block II F/A-18F Super Hornet and Navy replacement for the EA-6B Prowler. This year, the F/A-18 family of aircraft is celebrating its marks the 35th anniversary.
“We’ve now launched each of the Navy’s newest aircraft using EMALS,” Donnelly said. “The system is definitely demonstrating its ability to meet fleet requirements by expanding the launch envelope.”
EMALS is a complete carrier-based launch system. It delivers necessary higher launch energy capacity; substantial improvements in system maintenance; increased reliability and efficiency; and more accurate end-speed control. Its technologies allow for a smooth acceleration at both high and low speeds, increasing the ability to launch aircraft with less stress on the ship and its systems.
EMALS is designed to expand the operational capability of the Navy’s future carriers to include all current and future carrier air wing platforms – lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters.
30 May 2013 naval-technology.com
The Indian Navy is planning to equip its second domestically built Vikrant-class aircraft carrier, INS Vishal, with General Atomics' (GA) new-generation catapult, Electro-Magnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS).
Currently, the Indian Navy is evaluating the EMALS programme for its 65,000t INS Vishal, which is still only a concept, while General Atomics recently briefed on the EMALS to the navy admirals.
A senior Indian Naval planner was quoted by Business Standard as saying that the INS Vishal may also feature a catapult assisted takeoff but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) system to support larger and diverse aircraft launch and recover missions.
The first ship of the class, INS Vikrant, currently under construction, features a short takeoff but arrested recovery (STOBAR) system.
During the meeting, General Atomics stated that the EMALS ships can support launch operations even in still conditions, while STOBAR aircraft carriers should maintain a speed of 20k-30k to generate wind-over-deck to support the mission.
An admiral said that the CATOBAR offers more options such as supporting operations of heavier fighters, AEW aircraft and, crucially, unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs), when compared with STOBAR systems.
"We could greatly expand our mission envelope with UCAVs, using the pilotless aircraft for high-risk reconnaissance and suppression of enemy air defences."
A naval planner said: "We could greatly expand our mission envelope with UCAVs, using the pilotless aircraft for high-risk reconnaissance and SEAD (suppression of enemy air defences)."
Equipped with six major subsystems. including prime power interface, launch motor, power conversion electronics, launch control, energy storage and energy distribution system, EMALS is also a choice for the US Navy's new aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78).
In addition, EMALS provides reduced manning workload, reduced thermal signature, increased launch availability, reduced topside weight, reduced installed volume and launch capability for unmanned aerial vehicles.
Armed with close-in weapon system and OTO Melera 76mm Super Rapid guns, INS Vikrant and INS Vishal are expected to be delivered to the navy by 2017 and early 2020s respectively.