The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Gary Roughead, witnessed an F/A-18E Super Hornet launch using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) while visiting Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) facilities at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 22.

EMALS, a complete launch system designed for Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and future Ford-class aircraft carriers, will replace the steam catapult system which has been in use for more than 50 years. The system at Lakehurst is a full-scale shipboard representative test platform that includes the major software and hardware components to be installed on Gerald R. Ford.

Additionally, CNO visited other Navy Support Equipment (SE) and Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) operational sites and programs based at Lakehurst. He met with Kathleen Donnelly, senior executive for SE and ALRE, and commended her on the expertise, knowledge and dedication of the engineers and artisans at Lakehurst who support the fleet on a daily basis.

The mission and functions of EMALS remain the same as the steam catapult; however, EMALS employs entirely different technologies. Consisting of six subsystems, the launching system is designed to expand the operational capability of the Navy’s future carriers.

EMALS delivers the necessary higher launch energy capacity as well as substantial improvements in system maintenance, efficiency, and more accurate end-speed control.

The system’s technology allows for smooth acceleration at both high and low speeds, increasing the carrier’s ability to launch aircraft in support of the warfighter. The system will provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms – lightweight unmanned aircraft to heavy strike fighters.

The EMALS program is currently conducting aircraft compatibility testing and is delivering ship components to Gerald R. Ford.