An F/A-18 lands on USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) during the ship’s post delivery test and trails (PDT&T). Credit: U.S. Navy photo.

The US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) has achieved a key milestone during the final independent steaming event of an 18-month Post Delivery Test & Trials (PDT&T) period.

Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) and Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), a new aircraft launch and recovery technology, completed 8,000 aircraft recoveries and launches aboard the aircraft carrier.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) programme manager (PMA-251) for EMALS and AAG captain Kenneth Sterbenz said: “ALRE’s support of EMALS and AAG was admirable throughout the rigorous testing of PDT&T operations.

“On the way to reaching 8,000 launches and recoveries, we saw many Ford crew trained, learned a great deal about the systems, and laid invaluable groundwork for future Ford-class ships.”

Developed by prime contractor General Atomics, EMALS and AAG systems are designed for use on Ford-class aircraft carriers. The technologies offer a range of capabilities to support the launch and recovery of carrier-capable aircraft.

EMALS and AAG are said to require a smaller footprint in the ship, as well as reduced maintenance and manpower compared with similar gear aboard Nimitz-class carriers.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Ford CVNs PMA-251 deputy programme manager Commander Lindsey Buzzell said: “PDT&T proved extremely valuable for ALRE, as it allowed for extensive test and evaluation, and the opportunity to expose useful learning opportunities.

“As we move forward, we’ll continue building on our experience, increase confidence in EMALS and AAG, and do our part to support the warfighter by preparing the systems for whatever Ford’s future deployments bring to the table.”

USS Gerald R Ford will now advance to conduct Full Ship Shock Trials, slated to begin later this year.

In December last year, the US Navy completed a sensor-accuracy test onboard the USS Gerald R Ford.