CAPT. JOHN MEIER (VO): For the last 60 years the Navy’s relied on steam-powered catapults
to launch our aircraft.The electromagnetic aircraft launch system, EMALS, has been installed and tested on the first
two catapults onboard Gerald R Ford. EMALS greatly expands the limited ability of the
steam-powered catapults in terms of being able to launch heavier aircraft, but also
lighter aircraft, with a linear acceleration
curve that will reduce the wear and tear on
the aircraft. EMALS is built much differently than the steam system; it’s designed and
built with maintenance in mind, so the maintenance requirements are reduced. EMALS will revolutionize
the way that we launch the aircraft, today
and into the future, for this new class of
aircraft carrier.
