Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. — The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), Ray Mabus, witnessed two dead load launches using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) while visiting Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) facilities at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., on Sept. 26. Each launch was of a 51,000 pound dead load, launched at 165 knots, equivalent to a launch of an F/A-18E from a carrier deck.

EMALS, a complete launch system designed for USS 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 currently being installed on USS Gerald R. Ford.

During his visit, Secretary Mabus spoke with the civilian engineers and Navy sailors assigned to test and operate EMALS and commended them for their diligence and expertise in readying this new and innovative technology for the future carrier fleet. He emphasized to Kathleen Donnelly, senior executive for Navy Support Equipment (SE) and Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE), Capt. Stephen Tedford, ALRE program manager and Sean Brennan, EMALS chief engineer, how much he appreciated the efforts of the EMALS team to ease the workload of the Sailors in providing a more reliable and maintainable launch system.

Secretary Mabus stated to Capt. Brady Bartosh, ALRE military director, that “this technology is a game changer.”

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.