Would Replace Steam Catapults On Aircraft Carriers

Thanks for the recommendation... but we're going to do it anyway. That's the message the US Navy had for the Government Accountability Office this week, in proceeding with development of a new launching system for carrier-based aircraft.

Reuters reports the Navy opted to allow General Atomics to continue work on its electromagnetic aircraft launching system (EMALS), slated for installation onboard the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). That new aircraft carrier, built by Northrop Grumman, is slated to enter service in 2015.

Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Victor Chen said EMALS "promises to lower overall lifecycle costs, require less maintenance than steam catapults and generate less physical stress on carrier-based aircraft." However, a recent GAO review of the program identified several concerns, including cost-overrun risks and technical problems.

Specifically, the GAO said the Navy may not know whether EMALS works as promised... until at least seven months after the first components of the system are installed onboard the Gerald R. Ford. By that time, it would be too late to install a steam-based catapult system, at least not without significant redesigns and delays.

The GAO termed EMALS one of the highest risk factors in keeping work on the new carrier on schedule.

FMI: www.navy.mil, www.gao.gov, www.northropgrumman.com, www.ga.com