NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MD -- The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is one step closer to launch with the completion of the first phase of Highly Accelerated Life Testing and the second phase of System Functional Demonstration (SFD) commissioning.

“This testing allows our engineers to gather data and prepare the Navy for the next evolution of EMALS tests” George Sulich, EMALS Integrated Program Team lead said.

“While HALT gives an indication of how the system’s launch motor will perform under at-sea conditions,” Sulich said, “SFD commissioning prepares us for upcoming test launches of dead-loads and aircraft.”

The HALT gauges the EMALS launch motor’s ability to operate in simulated at-sea environmental conditions on board the carrier. HALT also supplies the system’s engineers with the data necessary to verify EMALS’ peak performance, even in extreme conditions.

The SFD testing replicates full-scale launching capabilities of EMALS. Commissioning is performed to ensure all components of SFD are prepared for actual dead-load and aircraft launches. Dead-loads are large-wheeled, steel-framed vehicles used in lieu of aircraft to test catapults. The dead-load is weighted to simulate the launch weight of an actual aircraft for each test event.

The second phase of SFD commissioning integrated and tested all power components of the system with the launch controller. The upcoming third phase will integrate the remainder of the system, and test the ability to convert electrical power to mechanical force by static and low-speed motion of the armature, the component that interfaces with dead loads and aircraft.

The testing culminates with the launch of dead-load weights and non-operational test aircraft at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, N.J. Commissioning with dead loads is scheduled to begin this fall.

EMALS design provides greater flexibility in launching capabilities of both current and future generations of the carrier air-wing.

“EMALS is the launching system for a whole new generation of Sailors and air wings,” said Capt. Randy Mahr, Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Program Office (PMA-251) program manager here. “We’ve been using the venerable steam catapults for more than 50 years, and the upgrade to EMALS expands our envelope for efficiency, safety and performance.”

Production of EMALS equipment has begun, and the technology is on schedule for delivery to CVN 78.

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