Baldy
12-23-2010, 01:25 PM
This I found interesting, the Navy is going to be installing a new type of catapult system on it's newest aircraft carrier class, the Ford Class carriers.
It will allow the launching of both heaver and lighter aircraft, including the small drones that can not be launched by catapults now, because the current steam powered catapults can not be tuned down that low. It uses the same technology in the recovery of aircraft, which will also allow lighter (drones) to be recovered, which can not be done now with the hydraulic recovery system.
The United States Navy made history on Dec. 18 when it launched the first aircraft using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS).
This technology will replace the steam catapult system relied on for more than 50 years to launch aircraft from carriers. Newer, heavier and faster aircraft will result in launch energy requirements approaching the steam system's limits.
EMALS is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for all future Ford-class, nuclear-powered carriers that are replacing the Nimitz-class carrier in use since 1975. The first ship of this new class, the Gerald R. Ford, is currently under construction and slated for completion in 2015.
The Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) program launched an F/A-18E Super Hornet Dec. 18 from a New Jersey test site using the EMALS technology.
"This is a tremendous achievement not just for the ALRE team, but for the entire Navy," said Capt. James Donnelly, ALRE program manager. "Saturday's EMALS launch demonstrates an evolution in carrier flight deck operations using advanced computer control, system monitoring and automation for tomorrow's carrier air wings."
"I thought the launch went great," said Lt. Daniel Radocaj, the test pilot who made the first EMALS manned launch. "I got excited once I was on the catapult, but I went through the same procedures as on a steam catapult. The catapult stroke felt similar to a steam catapult and EMALS met all of the expectations I had."
The mission and function of EMALS remains the same as the steam catapult; however, EMALS employs entirely different technologies. EMALS will deliver the necessary higher launch energy capacity as well as substantial improvements in system weight, maintenance, increased efficiency and more accurate end-speed control.
The system's technology allows for a smooth acceleration at both high and low speeds, increasing the carrier's ability to launch aircraft in support of the warfighter. EMALS will provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms — lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters.
Engineers will continue system functional demonstration testing on EMALS and will expand aircraft launches next year.
Video of the first test launch with EMALS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euLsg_viWW0
It will allow the launching of both heaver and lighter aircraft, including the small drones that can not be launched by catapults now, because the current steam powered catapults can not be tuned down that low. It uses the same technology in the recovery of aircraft, which will also allow lighter (drones) to be recovered, which can not be done now with the hydraulic recovery system.
The United States Navy made history on Dec. 18 when it launched the first aircraft using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS).
This technology will replace the steam catapult system relied on for more than 50 years to launch aircraft from carriers. Newer, heavier and faster aircraft will result in launch energy requirements approaching the steam system's limits.
EMALS is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for all future Ford-class, nuclear-powered carriers that are replacing the Nimitz-class carrier in use since 1975. The first ship of this new class, the Gerald R. Ford, is currently under construction and slated for completion in 2015.
The Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) program launched an F/A-18E Super Hornet Dec. 18 from a New Jersey test site using the EMALS technology.
"This is a tremendous achievement not just for the ALRE team, but for the entire Navy," said Capt. James Donnelly, ALRE program manager. "Saturday's EMALS launch demonstrates an evolution in carrier flight deck operations using advanced computer control, system monitoring and automation for tomorrow's carrier air wings."
"I thought the launch went great," said Lt. Daniel Radocaj, the test pilot who made the first EMALS manned launch. "I got excited once I was on the catapult, but I went through the same procedures as on a steam catapult. The catapult stroke felt similar to a steam catapult and EMALS met all of the expectations I had."
The mission and function of EMALS remains the same as the steam catapult; however, EMALS employs entirely different technologies. EMALS will deliver the necessary higher launch energy capacity as well as substantial improvements in system weight, maintenance, increased efficiency and more accurate end-speed control.
The system's technology allows for a smooth acceleration at both high and low speeds, increasing the carrier's ability to launch aircraft in support of the warfighter. EMALS will provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms — lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters.
Engineers will continue system functional demonstration testing on EMALS and will expand aircraft launches next year.
Video of the first test launch with EMALS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euLsg_viWW0