WASHINGTON - After years of testing, the Navy's Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) catapult is now integrated into the new generation of Ford-class aircraft carriers. Beyond smoother launches, U.S. aviators can carry out more sorties without wearing out their aircraft. As a result, EMALS is beginning to draw the interest of allies, and the U.S. should consider sharing the system with trusted allies to strengthen global deterrence, according to Kris Osborn, defense editor of the National Interest website. The system’s advantage is adaptability that would allow EMALS to support amphibious assault ships or low-cost aircraft for which building runways is cost prohibitive. Allies without carriers could consider EMALS for other surface ships. It could expand power projection capabilities and bolster global deterrence. There would also be an economic benefit for those allies that allows them to upgrade naval power projection capabilities without having to invest in development. In 2021, the State Department okayed the sale of the system to France. It was seen as a step to strengthen NATO deterrence in the European and Mediterranean theaters, Osborn noted. It would also be a tactical and strategic benefit to extend EMALS with Japan, South Korea, Australia and India – thereby strengthening power projections in the Pacific. After years of scientific research, innovation and testing, EMALS has proven to be a success. Last year, the Navy and General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems reached 8,000 carrier launches with the system. General Atomics is already delivering EMALS for the second and third Ford-class carriers. (Source: ANI News 02/92.22) https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/electromagnetic-aircraft-launch-system-to-bolster-us-allies-global-deterrence-posture-report20220206210927/
Mississippi Note: General Atomics conducted long-term reliability testing of a full-scale power train of EMALS at its high cycle test facility at its Tupelo, Miss., assembly plant.
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