Trump Advocates for Steam Catapults on New Ford-Class Carriers Over EMALS
President Trump prefers the older steam catapult system over the electromagnetic launch system (EMALS) for new U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, citing complexity and cost concerns. This stance raises questions about potential impacts on future naval aircraft design and contract obligations.
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President Trump has expressed a preference for the steam catapult system over the electromagnetic launch system (EMALS) for the Gerald Ford-class aircraft carriers, claiming that EMALS is overly complex and costly. The Navy has invested significantly in EMALS, awarding contracts totaling $527 million for the system on the third Ford-class carrier, Enterprise (CVN-80), and $737 million for long lead materials for the second carrier, John F.
Kennedy (CVN-79). Transitioning to steam systems would necessitate the design of a new launcher, potentially leading to additional uncalculated expenses. The implications of Trump's comments on existing shipbuilding contracts and the development of future naval aircraft remain uncertain, particularly as EMALS enables lighter aircraft designs.
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