[rjsimmon]

The new magnetic catapults take up a lot less room inside the ship than the steam systems use. I think that’s primary motivating factor.

-Less maintenance
-No chance of a bad/weak Cat shot

[pabianice]

Now the bad news. The EMALS cannot be used to launch tactical aircraft fitted with external fuel tanks. Too much shear force. This is a serious problem that, until solved, will eliminate many longer distance tac flights of fighters and attack aircraft.