The US Navy is promoting its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), the wave of the future in which aircraft will be launched on future Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers.
The electromagnetic system will replace steam-driven catapults, which have launched navy aircraft for 60 years.
“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 to heavy strike fighters,” the Navy said in a statement.
The video below shows EMALS in action, with a text off the USS Gerald R. Ford.
EMALS is purported to more more reliable and efficient than steam catapults, providing better end-speed control and the capacity to launch larger, heavier aircraft than ever before.