Steam Catapults Versus Electromagnets: How Ways of Launching Jets Compare

U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the Navy to abandon newer, advanced launch systems on aircraft carriers, opting instead to return to the older steam catapult technology. The fourth Ford-class carrier under construction will not feature Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS) installed, following an order from the president.

Trump's decision to replace EMALS with steam catapults on the USS Doris Miller is expected to incur significant costs for the U.S. taxpayer. The president has long expressed dissatisfaction with EMALS, citing their complexity and a lack of reliability. In contrast, EMALS are touted for their efficiency, requiring fewer personnel to operate, and resulting in quieter and cooler work environments for sailors.

General Atomics, the company manufacturing EMALS, acknowledged the decision's significance due to extensive production completion. The USS Doris Miller is scheduled to be handed over to the U.S. Navy in 2034, following years of delays caused by shipyard capacity constraints. Trump also announced the scrapping of Advanced Weapons Elevators (AWE) on Ford-class carriers, replacing them with hydraulic systems.

The U.S. shipbuilding industry's underperformance and delays were cited by Trump as reasons for the shift in strategy. While both EMALS and steam catapults achieve the same objective of accelerating fighter jets over short distances for carrier launches, EMALS employ a linear induction motor powered by nuclear reactors, while steam catapults utilize steam pistons and cylinders.

China's newest operational aircraft carrier, the Type 003 Fujian, utilizes EMALS, whereas France's Charles de Gaulle carrier relies on U.S.-designed steam catapults. Paris reportedly plans to incorporate EMALS in future aircraft carriers.