The U.S. Navy recently made history when it launched the first aircraft using an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) at the Naval Air Systems Command test site at Navy Lakehurst, part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix- Lakehurst in south central New Jersey.
For more than 50 years the Navy has been using steam to launch aircraft from aircraft carriers, and now the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment program has launched an F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter plane using the new technology that will replace steam catapults on future aircraft carriers.
“This is a tremendous achievement not just for the aircraft launch and recovery equipment team, but for the entire Navy,” said Capt. James Donnelly, program manager.
“The launch demonstrates an evolution in carrier flight deck operations using advanced computer control, system monitoring, and automation for tomorrow’s carrier air wings,” Donnelly said.
This is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford and future Ford-class aircraft carriers.
“I thought the launch went great,” said Lt. Daniel Radocaj, the test pilot from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23, who made the first manned launch. “I got excited once I was on the catapult, but I went through the same procedures as on a steam catapult. The catapult stroke felt similar to a steam catapult and [the new system] met all of the expectations I had.”
The mission and function of the new electromagnetic aircraft launch system remain the same as the steam catapult, but the new system employs entirely different technologies and will deliver the necessary higher launch energy capacity as well as substantial improvements in system weight, maintenance, increased efficiency, and more accurate end-speed control.
“I felt honored to be chosen as the ‘shooter’ to help launch the first live aircraft tested on the new electromagnetic aircraft launch system track at Lakehurst,” said Chief Petty Officer Brandon Barr, Lakehurst Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Test Department. “It was very exciting to knowingly be a part of naval aviation history. Petty Officers 1st Class Hunsaker and Robinson, and Petty Officers 2nd Class Williams, Wong and Simmons were the sailors on my team who worked together to help make this test a success. We all look forward to seeing this cutting-edge technology deployed on the Gerald R. Ford.” Cmdr. Russ McCormack, deputy program manager for future systems, said he was excited about the improvement the new system will bring to the fleet from a capability and reliability perspective,
“[This new system] was designed for just that purpose, and the team is delivering that requirement,” said McCormack.
Director for Support Equipment and Aircraft Launch and Recovery Kathleen Donnelly said that the question “Will the new system work?” has been answered in the affirmative.
“Now we’ll work toward answering the question ‘Will the electromagnetic aircraft launch system be reliable? ’ ” she said. “[I’m sure] that answer will also be a resounding ‘yes.’ ”
The system’s technology allows for a smooth acceleration at high and low speeds, increasing the aircraft carrier’s ability to launch aircraft in support of the war fighter.
The system will provide the capability for launching all current and future aircraft carrier air wing platforms, including lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters.
Engineers will continue system functional demonstration testing at the Lakehurst Naval Air Systems Command site. Next year, it is expected that the team will expand aircraft launches with the addition of T-45 and C-2 aircraft.