EMALS will replace steam catapults on the Ford-class carriers. It is more maintainable, reliable and efficient than the steam system, generates more launch energy and puts less stress on the aircraft by creating a smoother, more linear acceleration, according to the Navy statement.
No Load Tests completed
“This is a very exciting time for the Navy,” Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers Rear Adm. Tom Moore said in the statement.“For the first time in over 60 years, we’ve just conducted 22 no-load test shots using electricity instead of steam technology.”
Dead Load Testing
Moore has previously said the dead load testing would take place in June in the James River, near the Newport News Shipbuilding yard in Virginia. The recent test shots were called “dead loads” – wheeled steel vessels up to 80,000 pounds that simulate the weight of an aircraft – to verify that the catapult and each of its components are working properly. |
| VIRIN: 150605-N-KK576-011 |
 |
| VIRIN: 150605-N-DW912-001 |
 |
| VIRIN: 150605-N-KK576-006 |
 |
| VIRIN: 150605-N-KK576-008 |
 |
| VIRIN: 150605-N-KK576-002 |
 |
| VIRIN: 150605-N-DW912-002 |
 |
| VIRIN: 150605-N-KK576-010 |
NEWPORT
NEWS, Va. — (June 5, 2015) — Tugboats retrieve a sled from the
James River in Newport News, Virginia following a "dead-load" test of
the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) aboard the future USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Ford completed two successful dead-loads on the initial test day. Testing will continue over the next several weeks. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua J. Wahl/Released)
EMALS dead load testing begins aboard
PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - YouTube
PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - YouTube
========================
AAG Still Delayed
On the other end of the carrier, the Navy has had problems with the GA Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) that is two years behind its testing schedule.
Ford is 90-percent complete and is expected to be commissioned in March 2016.
Previously/Related Background
- spendergast: EMALS shoots full speed on CVN 78 Ford
- spendergast: Latest GAO Report Criticizes Navy Management of CVN-78
- spendergast: NAVAIR Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System EMALS
- spendergast: Gerald R Ford Stumbles on New Technology Steps
- spendergast: First F-35C launch from EMALS
- ▶ First Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System EMALS Launch E 2D Advanced Hawkeye AiirSource - YouTube
No comments:
Post a Comment