Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is the first carrier to use EMALS. John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is the next carrier scheduled to install and use EMALS.
EMALS provides significant benefits over current launch systems such as reduced maintenance, thermal signature, weight and increased ability to launch crewed and uncrewed aircraft. Due to its flexible architecture, EMALS can launch a wide variety of aircraft weights and can be used on a variety of platforms with differing catapult configurations.
Features & Benefits:
- Reduced maintenance and thermal signature
- Reduced topside weight and installed volume
- Increased launch operational ability for crewed and uncrewed aircraft
- Flexible architecture