Do you believe Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems are the way of the future?

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 12:11:31 -0400

Look Ma no steam

USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78) completed 22 no-load test movements of its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System

https://www.facebook.com/USSGeraldRFord/videos/vb [login to see] 24355/ [login to see] 61078/?type=1&theater

USS Gerald R. Ford - CVN 78 | Facebook

The future USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78) completed 22 no-load test movements of its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System yesterday. The tests were a...

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 12:24 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 12:24:59 -0400

Very cool!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 14 at 2015 12:49 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 14 May 2015 12:49:57 -0400

My only worry would be having it rip my fillings out from below deck. But that is cool as heck.

Response by MSgt Aaron Brite made May 14 at 2015 12:52 PM

MSgt Aaron Brite — Thu, 14 May 2015 12:52:44 -0400

Its the future of naval aviation. Electromagnetic catapults, arresting gear and weapons all taking up less space and using safer energy sources in a smaller footprint. Just hang onto your keys!

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 14 at 2015 2:20 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:20:02 -0400

Launching dead loads no loads pierside is no indication as to how effective it will work. Once the Ford is out to sea with the constant twisting of the hull the salt spray from the ocean along with everything else then you will see how EMALS will fair. I'm all for improving any system that makes our job safer and more efficient. After 26 years working with the steam catapults this is a welcome change.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Aug 19 at 2015 11:38 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 23:38:06 -0400

They have been in development going back decades, but I wonder if they can be mitigated by Electromagnetic Pulse.