EMALS
Abstract
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is an advanced technology system developed as part of, and integrated on new FORD Class Carrier ships, beginning with CVN 78. EMALS provides better control of applied forces, both peak and transient dynamic loads, improved reliability and maintainability, increased operational availability, and reduced operator and maintainer workload. The EMALS program will undergo future system improvements to address safety, obsolescence, and reliability, to include but not limited to Automated software testing, Electrical Isolation, Advancing Additive at Large Scale to Address Readiness and Sustainment (AALSTARS), Block Switch Controller (BSC) Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and other emergent requirements. Automated software testing development provides for rapid, repeatable tests, resulting in higher quality software. Automated testing enables rapid diagnosis of system faults and decrease troubleshooting response time for the fleet. EMALS is a software intensive system and highly dependent on reliable software operation. The readiness and mission benefits include the ability to provide the fleet with affordable, quality, well-tested software capable of launching and recovering aircraft on Ford-Class carriers. Development of Electrical Isolation provides for EMALS capabilities to continue launch operations while being able to isolate catapults for regular maintenance, in turn improving maintenance cycle times. This provides readiness and mission benefits to enable continued operations and increases system mission capability. Implementing the AALSTARS initiative will demonstrate alternative manufacturing methods of select EMALS components. This will reduce manufacturing lead time and costs for highly complex, long lead time items. Developing BSC CPLD provides additional space on a critical control card to allow for future firmware and logic updates in order to ensure timely functionality and to support future changes. This also addresses a known obsolescence issue.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 4004_0604112N_4_1319_PB_2025
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- Root: GERALD R FORD CI NUC AIRCRAFT CARRIER CVN 78-80
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