The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launching System (EMALS) has a higher level of control than the steam-powered catapults employed by Nimitz-class carriers. EMALS can launch heavier and lighter craft, making it compatible with UAVs. EMALS is more efficient, smaller lighter, more powerful, easier to control, and places less stress on airframes by gradually increasing the aircraft’s speed. UAV integration is also made possible by the Advanced Arresting Gear System, which uses electromagnetism, rather than hydraulics, to capture aircraft.
***This seems to be the most radical improvement. If they tweak the EMALS system a bit, maybe it could be used as a weapons firing system as well?
They are tweaking it for a firing system, but it would be more appropriate for a battleship/destroyer that sails as part of the carrier group.
The carrier already has plenty of its own style of long-range firepower.
Anything to improve aircraft recovery would be a plus. The system is medieval.
EM Rail guns are planned for the new DDX destroyer and other future naval combat ships.