Queue up the ‘Top Gun’ soundtrack because the Navy has successfully launched an F-18 using an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System. The Navy has been using steam for more than 50 years to launch aircraft from carriers. Saturday, the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) program launched an F/A-18E Super Hornet using the EMALS technology that will replace steam catapults on future aircraft carriers. The current aircraft launch system for Navy aircraft carriers is the steam catapult. Newer, heavier and faster aircraft will result in launch energy requirements approaching the limits of the steam catapult system. The mission and function of EMALS remain the same as the steam catapult; however, EMALS employs entirely different technologies. EMALS will deliver the necessary higher launch energy capacity as well as substantial improvements in system weight, maintenance, increased efficiency, and more accurate end-speed control. The new system can launch a 100,000 pound jet at 240mph with a distance of 300 feet and is effectively 30% more efficient over the current steam system. End ‘Top Gun’ soundtrack. For more information on EMALS visit the Navy’s website at: http://www.navair.navy.mil/NewsReleases/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.view&id=4468
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