GA-EMS to support flight deck equipment on new USN aircraft carriers
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is to provide engineering and logistics services for the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) aboard the USN’s Gerald R Ford-class aircraft carriers.
‘This contract signals the programme is now moving from the design and development phase, and into concurrent production and sustainment phase, providing sustaining engineering, material and maintenance support for all Ford-class aircraft carriers,’ Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, said on 18 May.
In February this year, EMALS and AAG were cleared for shipboard launch and recovery of all currently deployed naval aircraft types aboard the first-in-class vessel, USS Gerald R Ford. The aircraft carrier has also successfully completed flight deck certification, aircraft compatibility testing, and fleet replacement squadron training exercises for pilots to earn their qualifications on specific aircraft.
In addition, GA-EMS is delivering EMALS and AAG for the other two carriers in the class: the future USS John F Kennedy and USS Enterprise.
The company claims that ‘significant cost savings are being realised’ through multiple ship production contracts, which minimise gaps in production while maximising planning, scheduling and delivery.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Gerald R. Ford Class (CVN 79 to CVN 81) [USN]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel]()
Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel
The ship is the third in a fleet of 11, with the first vessel due to be delivered in 2026.
-
![Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid]()
Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
-
![New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy]()
New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy
The frigate, Spartaco Schergat, is equipped for a broad range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare.
-
![NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs]()
NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs
The new contract with Textron Systems will support software development for uncrewed vessels over the next three years.
-
![Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials]()
Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials
The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.
