General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is continuing to remain on track to deliver the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) for two future Gerald R Ford-class aircraft carriers.

The future USS John F Kennedy (CVN 79) and USS Enterprise (CVN 80) vessels are currently under construction.

GA-EMS president Scott Forney said: “Multiple contract awards help us efficiently maximise manufacturing plans to ensure there are no gaps in production and we are able to maintain a stable supply chain and workforce to meet the deliverables schedule.

“We’ve delivered 97% of EMALS and AAG equipment for CVN 79, meeting the installation schedule. We also remain on track to support the CVN 80 construction schedule, having built, tested and delivered more than 25% of EMALS and AAG CVN 80 equipment to date.

“With that said, we remain poised to provide these same critical technologies as the navy determines the EMALS and AAG contract and schedule requirements for the fourth Ford-class aircraft carrier, USS Doris Miller (CVN 81).”

Recently, EMALS and AAG installed aboard USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) completed at-sea operational testing during the vessel’s 18-month Post Delivery Test & Trials (PDT&T) period.

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The AAG and EMALS also achieved 8,157 aircraft recoveries and launches.

The company noted that both systems successfully completed Aircraft Compatibility Testing.

This testing confirms the system’s ability to launch and recover aircraft in the existing naval air wing.

According to the company, it provides higher flexibility to accommodate the future air wing, including both unmanned and manned aircraft.

Forney added: “The effects of the pandemic during the past year have presented everyone with some incredible challenges, and we are proud of our team’s dedication and focus on delivering EMALS and AAG equipment for Ford-class carriers even under the most difficult of circumstances.”

In March last year, a F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to Blue Blasters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 landed aboard USS Gerald R Ford’s flight deck, marking the 1,000th recovery milestone of a fixed-wing aircraft using Ford’s AAG.