US Navy Readying Electro-Magnetic Launch for New Carriers

Next Big Future ^ | January 13, 2009 | Brian Wang

[jmcenanly]

Current steam catapults use about 615 kg/ 1,350 pounds of steam for each aircraft launch, which is usually delivered by piping it from the nuclear reactor. Now add the required hydraulics and oils, the water required to brake the catapult, and associated pumps, motors, and control systems. The result is a large, heavy, maintenance-intensive system that operates without feedback control; and its sudden shocks affect airframe lifespans for carrier-based aircraft.

[jmcenanly]

This may be sometime into the future. the pilots who will be launched on these systems are probably playing on swings in grade school about now.

[xcamel]

we need the hypersonic railguns in production first...

[Sen Jack S. Fogbound]

The Magnetic Technology required will help the development of electirc cars, nuclear fusion reactors, and such.

Lots of payoffs all around!

[Vroomfondel]

ping

[edcoil]

This is cool but lets just leap to the next level like on Star Wars.

[Rudder]

The result is a large, heavy, maintenance-intensive system that operates without feedback control; and its sudden shocks affect airframe lifespans for carrier-based aircraft.

Tell us, what's the solution?

[exit82]

Beter not be prone to EMF attacks.

Otherwise the carrier becomes a jet parking lot.

[A.A. Cunningham]

Not that far off as the story you linked to notes. CVN-78 will be equipped with an EMALS.

080729-N-5549O-134 TUPELO, Miss. (July 29, 2008) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) The Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter receives a tour of General Atomics Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) manufacturing plant. EMALS is the next generation of aircraft catapult systems that will be installed on the newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released)

070917-N-5549O-151 LAKEHURST, N.J. (Sept. 17, 2007) - Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter receives a brief on Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) at Naval Air Engineering Station. EMALS is the next generation of aircraft catapult systems that is in the planning phase. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien (RELEASED)

070917-N-5549O-084 LAKEHURST, N.J. (Sept. 17, 2007) - Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter observes a no-load launch of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) at Naval Air Engineering Station. EMALS is the next generation of aircraft catapult systems that is in the planning phase. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien (RELEASED)

[KoRn]

I believe I saw a show on Discovery where they had a roller coaster powered by this technology. I could be wrong.

[A.A. Cunningham]

EMP

[KoRn]

"Beter not be prone to EMF attacks."

EMP?

[exit82]

EMP—thanks for the correction, A.A.!

[Kozak]

Hell of ride. Zero to about 40mph in a second...

[exit82]

EMP is correct—thanks. See post 12.

See, and I think no one reads my posts. ;)

[alloysteel]

For a brute-force, heavy-industrial launch system, the existing one sure is impressive.

Like having a 500-inch, supercharged, nitrous-injection drag-racer sitting on the drag strip, waiting for the light to drop.

Something just old-tech about that.

[staytrue]

60 megawatts at its peak

Not only EMP but this will broadcast a signal to everyone in the world that a launch is taking place.

[pfflier]

...which is usually delivered by piping it from the nuclear reactor...

I don't think so. Generated in association with the nuclear reactor...yes.

[PokeyJoe]

and make a nice juicy target for a sensor on the tip of a sea-skimming missile

[Traveler59]

But, but, but... According to the demoncrates, we don't need the military. (Do I really need the /sarc tag?)

- Traveler

[loungitude]

this will broadcast a signal to everyone in the world that a launch is taking place
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Your statement sounds very correct to me. Steam is “quiet” and they have plenty of it. It’s free on a nuke ship.