[jmcenanly]

This may be sometime into the future. the pilots who will be launched on these systems are probably playing on swings in grade school about now.

[xcamel]

we need the hypersonic railguns in production first...

[Sen Jack S. Fogbound]

The Magnetic Technology required will help the development of electirc cars, nuclear fusion reactors, and such.

Lots of payoffs all around!

[Vroomfondel]

ping

[edcoil]

This is cool but lets just leap to the next level like on Star Wars.

[Rudder]

The result is a large, heavy, maintenance-intensive system that operates without feedback control; and its sudden shocks affect airframe lifespans for carrier-based aircraft.

Tell us, what's the solution?

[exit82]

Beter not be prone to EMF attacks.

Otherwise the carrier becomes a jet parking lot.

[A.A. Cunningham]

Not that far off as the story you linked to notes. CVN-78 will be equipped with an EMALS.

080729-N-5549O-134 TUPELO, Miss. (July 29, 2008) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) The Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter receives a tour of General Atomics Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) manufacturing plant. EMALS is the next generation of aircraft catapult systems that will be installed on the newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released)

070917-N-5549O-151 LAKEHURST, N.J. (Sept. 17, 2007) - Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter receives a brief on Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) at Naval Air Engineering Station. EMALS is the next generation of aircraft catapult systems that is in the planning phase. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien (RELEASED)

070917-N-5549O-084 LAKEHURST, N.J. (Sept. 17, 2007) - Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter observes a no-load launch of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) at Naval Air Engineering Station. EMALS is the next generation of aircraft catapult systems that is in the planning phase. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien (RELEASED)

[KoRn]

I believe I saw a show on Discovery where they had a roller coaster powered by this technology. I could be wrong.

[alloysteel]

For a brute-force, heavy-industrial launch system, the existing one sure is impressive.

Like having a 500-inch, supercharged, nitrous-injection drag-racer sitting on the drag strip, waiting for the light to drop.

Something just old-tech about that.

[pfflier]

...which is usually delivered by piping it from the nuclear reactor...

I don't think so. Generated in association with the nuclear reactor...yes.

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

Here's a great idea. Since steam catapults have reliably launched carrier aircraft for decades, LET'S CHANGE TO SOMETHING ELSE!

It's NOT BROKE, so LET'S FIX IT!

This sounds like the infamous automated baggage handling system at Denver airport. How many tens of millions and it NEVER worked?

[Kevmo]

bmflr

[Nuc1]

Mass drivers in space will be prohibited.

[magslinger]

SONOBUOY PING!

Click on pic for past Navair pings.

Post or FReepmail me if you wish to be enlisted in or discharged from the Navair Pinglist.
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[Cringing Negativism Network]

Seems to this civilian, without all the heavy mechanical hydraulic machinery the current launch systems need, you could actually convert one or more submarines into an aircraft launch platform - the landings would probably need to be back onto a traditional carrier.

Imagine being able to pop up out of nowhere - and suddenly there are 10 F-35’s in the air.

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

This may be sometime into the future.

Nope, will be used on CVN-21.

[Larry Lucido]

the pilots who will be launched on these systems are probably playing on swings in grade school about now

Then we should design electromagnetic swing launchers.