Posted on 12/10/2010 7:50:37 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Super Hornet Could Launch From Electromagnet Catapult By Christmas
The U.S. Navy might achieve the biggest breakthrough in catapult design in more than 50 years this month if it can launch an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet from its new magnetic catapult system.
According to Chris Cavas at Defense News, the sea service is prepping a Super Hornet to be launched from the electromagnetic launch system (EMALS) before Christmas.
“The shot should take place within a couple of weeks,” said Rob Koon, a spokesman for Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). Asked if the engineers were trying to make the launch before Christmas, Koon replied, “that’s what they’re hoping for.”
The Electro-magnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is a critical piece of technology that will be installed in the new Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers, the first of which is now under construction. If the system isn’t ready in time, the Navy would have to revert to older steam catapults to launch aircraft from the ships, a move that would mean costly delays and redesigns.
The Navy has already done hundreds of “dead load” launches from the system, at speeds up to 180s knots since the spring, according to the article. Now, the system and Super Hornet are being readied for a launch at the service’s test facility at Naval Air Engineering Station in Lakehurst, N.J.
If all goes well, other planes ranging from the portly, prop-driven C-2 Carrier Onboard Delivery beast to the T-45 Goshawk trainer will be tested on the system. After that, the first EMALS parts could be delivered to the under-construction USS Gerald R. Ford by 2011.
While EMALS has not been without its teething problems, it will be able to launch a wider range of aircraft (including smaller) UAVs), take up far less room below deck and be less maintenance intensive than steam catapults. EMALS-maker General Atomics just signed a $676.2 million fixed-price contract to build the system.
Still, as Cavas piece says, “nothing will quiet critics like the launch of a front-line jet fighter.”
Does anyone know if this type catapult has any interference with electronics or require special modifications to shipboard equipment or shielding on planes to use?
Just curious. Sounds cool. We’ll be moving on when most nations can’t even accomplish the steam catapult.
I would think it is designed on the same system as the new roller coasters and maglev trains, which are run on EM devices.
How the heck does it work?
I tried to post this article earlier today, but was shut out because it was sourced from the Navy Times. Glad you found another source for the article.
Ping to Magslinger
It would probably involve two magnets and a rubber band.
that car looks like something aliens from another planet would ride around in, wouldn’t it?
Hopefully the system will prove to be totally reliable in due time.
Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)
http://atg.ga.com/EM/defense/emals/index.php
From Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_Aircraft_Launch_System
Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System - EMALS
Michael R. Doyle, Douglas J. Samuel, Thomas Conway, Robert R. Klimowski
Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, NJ 08733
http://www.navair.navy.mil/lakehurst/nlweb/ieeerevc.pdf
I was wondering also about possible health effects on our sailors from the fields around this system.
OK, I read all that and the best I can figure is it’s some kind of black magic.
I saw the catapult and arrestor gear in action below decks on that carrier special on PBS a while back.
What a mechanical monstrosity!! It takes an army of men and women to keep it running and shipshape. I presume this Hot Wheels version is far less maintenance-intensive.
Sounds like a rail gun... for aircraft.
“The present EMALS design centers around a linear synchronous motor, supplied power from pulsed disk alternators through a cycloconverter.”
from: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/systems/emals.htm
Looks like it won’t impact avionics on the aircraft. The catapult structure is the same as the steam cats, but the energy developed and stored by this system is mindblowing. Wonder how the flying squad will react to catapult fires on this system. Probably not a very good idea to shoot AFFF on components that store megajoules of energy.
Ordered from ACME, assembled by Wile E. Coyote.
Might make the sailors sterile. Some might consider this a benefit.
I wonder how they store the energy? And I wonder what it sounds like as its charging for the next launch?
I would have liked to try a magnetic cat. The heavy load shots on the steam cats could really hurt sometimes.
Hold on to your spoons!
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