USS Ford makes history with EMALS fighter jet launch
- 7 years ago
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA — The U.S. Navy's newest carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, last week successfully launched a fighter jet using a new electromagnetic launch system.
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, or EMALS, [d]uses a linear motor drive to launch the aircraft, Military Times reported.
Traditional steam catapult systems uses steam pressure to push the aircraft down the track, while EMALS uses magnetic fields to pull the aircraft forward.
EMALS can control the launch with greater precision and works with a wider variety of aircraft, including light unmanned aircraft and heavy fighter jets.
China says their next aircraft carrier will feature an EMALS system, while India and Britain have also revealed similar strategies.
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, or EMALS, [d]uses a linear motor drive to launch the aircraft, Military Times reported.
Traditional steam catapult systems uses steam pressure to push the aircraft down the track, while EMALS uses magnetic fields to pull the aircraft forward.
EMALS can control the launch with greater precision and works with a wider variety of aircraft, including light unmanned aircraft and heavy fighter jets.
China says their next aircraft carrier will feature an EMALS system, while India and Britain have also revealed similar strategies.