The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) successfully completed the first launch of a T-45C Goshawk from the NAVAIR Lakehurst, N.J. test site on June 1.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Dennis Lopez (Green shirt) secures the T-45C Goshawk to the EMALS shuttle while Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Richard Berger (Yellow shirt) signals to the pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Raymond Bieze, from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23). Twelve successful launches were made June 1 and 2 as part of the on-going aircraft compatibility testing.
EMALS, a complete launch system designed for Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and all future Ford-class aircraft carriers will replace the steam catapult system which has been in use for more than 50 years. EMALS is lighter, requires less maintenance, and provides increased efficiency and more accurate end-speed control. (U.S. Navy photo by Sherry Jacob)
NAVAIR press release
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