Gerald R. Ford’s shock trials reach an explosive end
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford completes the third and final scheduled explosive event for Full Ship Shock Trials while underway in the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo: USN)
USN aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has conducted a third and final explosive event, bringing an end to the ship’s Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST).
The USN uses shock trials to validate the ability of a ship to sustain operations during simulated combat with live ordnance.
During the tests, Ford endured the impact of three 40,000lb detonations at distances sequentially closer to the ship.
USN future aircraft carrier programme office manager CAPT Brian Metcalf said: ‘The Navy designed the Ford-class carrier using advanced computer modelling methods, testing, and analysis to ensure the ships are hardened to withstand harsh battle conditions,’
Metcalf added that the demonstrations proved to the crew that the carrier would sustain significant shock and operate in ‘extreme conditions’.
Ford will now begin six months of Planned Incremental Availability in the US’ Tidewater region.
Personnel will conduct detailed assessments of any damage caused during the shock trials ahead of the vessel’s deployment in 2022.
FSSTs are conducted to a precise operating schedule and feature strong requirements on mitigating environmental impacts, including the known migration patterns of marine life.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Gerald R. Ford Class (CVN 79 to CVN 81) [USN]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy tests Aegis combat system for hypersonic missile defence
The Arleigh Burke destroyer USS Pinckney undertook the tests against a simulated SM-6 missile.
-
Royal Navy destroyer completes UAV live-fire exercise before heading to the Indo-Pacific
HMS Dauntless ran a full UAV test to mimic potential real-world threats.
-
Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates
The system is intended to add enhanced operational precision to two ageing vessels.
-
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.