Trump orders Pentagon to redesign US aircraft carrier to use steam catapults to launch jets
President has suggested steam catapults every year since 2017, saying digital systems are too ‘complicated’ After nearly a decade of loudly complaining about the fact that modern US aircraft carriers use electromagnetic systems to launch fighter jets instead of steam-powered catapults, Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to redesign a new aircraft carrier to replace the modern system with the…
On August 13, President Donald Trump issued a national security memorandum allowing the U.S. Navy to construct ships abroad and reinstating the use of steam catapults on aircraft carriers. This decision, which will affect the fourth ship in the Gerald R Ford class, is expected to incur significant costs in the billions of dollars.
The switch from the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) to steam catapults is anticipated to provide cheaper and more effective functionality. The Doris Miller, the fourth ship in the Ford-class, is scheduled to have its keel laid by the end of 2026 with delivery by the Navy in early 2034. While EMALS was initially touted as a cost-effective and maintenance-friendly system, it has faced issues in its initial stages.
Despite this, General Atomics, the maker of EMALS, has expressed concerns about the decision to revert to steam catapults, citing significant costs, schedule, and integration risks. The policy change also allows foreign shipbuilders with substantial investments in U.S. shipyards to temporarily build up to two ships in their home yards, temporarily bridging gaps in the domestic shipbuilding process.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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