Most advanced launch catapult for aircraft carriers

To launch aircraft off a carrier, it is necessary to accelerate them very quickly to flying speed over the relatively short length of deck available. To do this the steam catapult has been used since 1950. In order to cope with heavier modern aircraft and generally lighter Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which fall outside the minimum and maximum weights allowed on steam catapults, a new generation of catapult, the Electro-Magnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), is being developed using the electro-magnetic rail gun concept. This extremely powerful and variable source of power will allow a smoother and more controlled launch than current systems allow. EMALS will require a large amount of space but will not need as many sailors to operate it, or require lots of dangerous steam pipes running through the ship – hence it will be safer and much more efficient. EMALS will equip the newest Gerald R Ford Class of aircraft carrier for the US Navy due in service around 2015.