An F-35C Lightning II test aircraft piloted by Lt. Christopher Tabert prepares for the first launch of a Joint Strike Fighter from the...
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| An F-35C Lightning II test aircraft piloted by Lt. Christopher Tabert prepares for the first launch of a Joint Strike Fighter from the new electromagnetic aircraft launch system. The Initial carrier trials for the F-35C are scheduled for 2013. The F-35C is undergoing test and evaluation at Naval Air Station Patuxent River and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst before delivery to fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by David Sckrabulis/Released) |
The U.S. Navy successfully launched an EA-18G Growler on June 25, kicking off the second phase of manned aircraft launch tests using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS).
The new aircraft carrier catapult system, which will replace steam catapults beginning with the new Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers which are under construction, commenced aircraft compatibility testing (ACT) phase two from the land-based test site at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.
This was the first EMALS launch for the Growler, an electronic attack variant of the Block II F/A-18F Super Hornet and Navy replacement for the EA-6B Prowler. This year,the F/A-18 family of aircraft is celebrating its marks the 35th anniversary.
The EMALS team completed the first phase of aircraft compatibility testing fall 2011 with 133 manned aircraft launches, comprising the F/A-18E Super Hornet, T-45C Goshawk, C-2A Greyhound, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. The team also had an early opportunity to launch the F-35C Lightning II to evaluate any technical risks.
“During ACT 2, we will launch every aircraft currently utilizing today’s carrier catapults, with the exception of the E-2C Hawkeye,” Sulich said.
EMALS is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for CVN 78 and all future Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. The launching system is designed to expand the operational capability of the Navy’s future carriers. The mission and function of EMALS remains the same as traditional steam catapult; however, it employs entirely different technologies.
EMALS uses stored kinetic energy and solid-state electrical power conversion. This technology permits a high degree of computer control, monitoring and automation. The system will also provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms – lightweight unmanned systems to heavy strike fighters.
EMALS is funded by the CVN 21 program and will be forward fit only for U.S. Ford-class carriers, beginning with USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78). It’s designed to deliver up to 60 mega joules of electricity, and 60 megawatts at its peak. In the 3 seconds it takes to launch a Navy aircraft, that amount of power could handle 12,000 homes.
This motor generator is part of a suite of equipment called the Energy Storage Subsystem, which includes the motor generator, the generator control tower and the stored energy exciter power supply. The new Gerald R. Ford Class carriers will require 12 of each.
