From the flight deck “bubble” of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the new catapult that launches aircraft looks better now to critics than after early delays and cost overruns of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). It doesn’t need as many sailors to operate and maintain as do steam-powered catapults of the Nimitz-class carriers that have served since the 1970s. Aviation Boatswains Mate 1st Class Fiona McMahon, whose job is to work side by side with the officer who launches planes (“the shooter”), it’s much easier to monitor glitches from her computer monitor than previous experiences on Nimitz class ships. “Basically, down below, they can press a button ... it’s like a reset and we’re ready to go,” she said. (Source: Daily Press 03/08/21) MISSISSIPI NOTE: Originally built to help test and assemble EMALS for the next generation of aircraft carriers, the General Atomics facility in Shannon, Miss., has expanded its operations and capabilities, including the manufacturing of the advanced arresting system that helps land aircraft on those carriers. On USS Gerald R. Ford’s flight deck, all the expensive new gear means school is always in session - The Virginian-Pilot (pilotonline.com)
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