March 28, 2024

Magnapult Heads Out to Future Carrier for Installation

Photo courtesy of NAVAIR

Naval Air Systems Command’s Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment program (PMA-251) delivered the first set of Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) components to the future Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) aircraft carrier May 9.

“Being able to deliver the very first EMALS components is exciting. We are committed to this technology and committed to delivering a reliable product to the newest class of aircraft carriers,” said Capt. James Donnelly, ALRE program manager.

The components being delivered include two launch control subsystem servers, two sets of launch motor subsystem armature cooling systems and three power conversion subsystem rectifiers, according to George Sulich, EMALS integrated program team lead.

“The team has done a tremendous job ensuring that we could deliver these components to be installed in line with the ship’s construction schedule,” Sulich said.

While the first equipment is delivered to CVN 78, System Functional Demonstration (SFD) testing continues at the NAVAIR Lakehurst, N.J., test site.

The production and delivery of EMALS components and ongoing SFD testing are two distinct efforts. Component production was previously granted based on successful performance during the high cycle testing and highly accelerated life testing phases of the program.

EMALS is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for CVN 78 and all future Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. Consisting of six subsystems, the launching system is designed to expand the operational capability of the Navy’s future carriers.

EMALS delivers the necessary higher launch energy capacity as well as substantial improvements in system maintenance, efficiency and more accurate end-speed control. The system will provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier aircraft platforms – lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters.

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