General Atomics Announces Successful Aircraft Launch and Recovery on Board USS Gerald R. Ford
EMALS and AAG Systems Launch and Arrest F/A-18F Super Hornet
SAN DIEGO, CA, 11 AUGUST 2017 - General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced today that the Navy successfully executed its first at-sea aircraft launch and recovery events aboard the newly commissioned aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) on 28 July, using GA-EMS Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG). The first arrestment and launch of an F/A-18F Super Hornet was followed by three additional successful arrestments and launches.
"This is a landmark event, showcasing the engineering skill, hard work, and dedication of our GA-EMS team and the Navy to bring EMALS and AAG systems into service," stated Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. "We are extremely proud to see these complex, revolutionary systems successfully perform and come to life as part of this extraordinary first-in-class carrier. We look forward to working closely with the Navy as testing and trials continue to exercise these systems to help bring CVN 78 forward into operational readiness."
In addition to CVN 78, GA-EMS is the sole source provider of AAG and EMALS for Ford-class carriers, including the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), which is currently under construction, and the future USS Enterprise (CVN 80). EMALS provides sophisticated software controls and power electronics to drive the world's largest linear induction motors to ensure accurate end speeds and smoother accelerations. AAG is a turbo-electric system designed for controlled and reliable deceleration of aircraft during recovery operations on carriers. Both systems continue land-based testing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, to support the launch and recovery of all aircraft types and models scheduled for the Ford-class air wing.
About General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) Group is a global leader in the research, design, and manufacture of first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' history of research, development and technology innovation has led to an expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions supporting aviation, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and processing and monitoring applications for critical defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
For further information contact:
EMS-MediaRelations@ga.com
Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy First arrested landing on July 28, 2017 on CVN 78 using new AAG system.
Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy First aircraft launch on July 28, 2017 on CVN 78 using new EMALS system.