CONTENT

1. Introduction 2. Characteristics 3. Major sub systems 4. Advantages 5. Applications

1. Introduction
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is a system under development by the United States Navy to launch carrier-based aircraft from catapults using a linear motor drive instead of conventional steam pistons. This technology reduces stress on airframes because they can be accelerated more gradually to takeoff speed than with steampowered catapults. Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is a complete launch system designed to replace the existing steam catapult currently being used on aircraft carriers. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the first ship of the CVN-21 Future Aircraft Carrier Class, will use electromagnetic launch systems.

2. Services
EMALS provides:

Reduced Manning Workload Reduced Thermal Signature Increased Launch Availability Reduced Topside Weight Reduced Installed Volume Launch capability for unmanned aerial vehicles

The EMALS system is a multimegawatt electric power system involving generators, energy storage, power conversion, a 100,000 hp electric motor, and an advanced technology closed loop control system with diagnostic health monitoring. In addition to building the power conversion and motor equipment, GA provides the power system integration and logistics support for this state-of-the-art power electronic system.

3. Major Sub systems

The EMALS consists of six major subsystems: Prime Power Interface This system provides the interconnect with the ship's electrical distribution system and delivers power to drive the energy storage generators.

Launch Motor Developed in a linear induction motor configuration, the launch motor is a compact, modular, integrated flight-deck structure that converts electrical current into the electromagnetic forces to accelerate the aircraft along the launch stroke. The motor design will tolerate the range of conditions experienced in the flight-deck environment and operating scenarios. A simple moving shuttle will interface with the aircraft in the same manner as the existing catapults. After the aircraft launches, the electric current in the motor will reverse to brake the shuttle to a complete halt without the use of a water brake.

Power Conversion Electronics

The power conversion electronics derive power from the energy stored and convert this power to a traveling wave of energy of the appropriate voltage and current to drive the shuttle along the launch stroke. Based on solid-state technology GA uses in its line of commercial power equipment, the power electronics are packaged as compact modules in cabinets that are located below deck.

Launch Control The EMALS uses a state-of-the-art system to control the current into the launch motor in real time. More precise endspeeds are achievable over a wider range of aircraft types and weights over those of steam catapults. The smoother acceleration may extend the lifetime of the aircraft. High reliability and a system architecture with inherent redundancy is achieved by use of commercial off-the-shelf components where possible. Modularity is emphasized to ease installation and maintenance important factors in life cycle planning.

Energy Storage The required energy for a launch is drawn from the energy storage devices during each two- to three-second launch. The energy storage

devices are recharged from ships power between launches. In March 2008, the program celebrated a milestone with the successful completion of factory acceptance testing of the motor generator component of the EMALS energy storage subsystem (ESS). Four additional ESS systems will be built to support development testing at the NAES Lakehurst, N.J., culminating in aircraft launches at the test site.

Energy Distribution System This system delivers the energy from the power conversion system to the launch motor and comprises cables, disconnects, and terminations. The EMALS is being developed by General Atomics for the U.S. Navy's newest Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers. In June 2010, the land-based prototype of the system passed initial tests, with the first aircraft launch from the system taking place at the end of 2010.

Linear induction motor The EMALS uses a linear induction motor (LIM), which uses electric currents to generate magnetic fields that propel a carriage down a track

to launch the aircraft. The EMALS consists of four main elements: The linear induction motor consists of a row of stator coils that have the function of a conventional motors armature. When energized, the motor accelerates the carriage down the track. Only the section of the coils surrounding the carriage is energized at any given time, minimizing reactive losses. The EMALS' 300-foot (91 m) LIM will accelerate a 100,000-pound (45,000 kg) aircraft to 130 knots (240 km/h).

Energy storage subsystem The induction motor requires a large amount of electric energy in just a few secondsmore than the ship's own power source can provide. The EMALS energy-storage subsystem draws power from the ship and stores it kinetically on rotors of four disk alternators. Each rotor can store more than 100 megajoules, and can be recharged within 45 seconds of a launch, faster than steam catapults. Power conversion subsystem During launch, the power conversion subsystem releases the stored energy from the disk alternators using a cycloconverter. The cycloconverter provides a controlled rising frequency and voltage to the LIM, energizing only the small portion of stator coils that affect the launch carriage at any given moment.

Control consoles Operators control the power through a closed loop system. Hall effect sensors on the track monitor its operation, allowing the system to ensure that it provides the desired acceleration. The closed loop system allows the EMALS to maintain a constant tow force, which helps reduce the launch stresses on the planes airframe.

Program status The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System at Naval Air Systems Command, Lakehurst, launching a United States Navy/A-18E Super Hornet during a test on 18 December 2010

12 June 2010: Successful launch of a T-45 Goshawk at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst.[5] 910 June 2010: Successful launch of a C-2 Greyhound at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst.[6]

18 December 2010: Successful launch of a F/A-18E Super Hornet at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst.

27 September 2011: Successful launch of an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst.

18 November 2011: Successful launch of a F-35C Lightning II.

4. Advantages

Compared to steam catapults, EMALS weighs less, occupies less space, requires less maintenance and manpower, is more reliable, and uses less energy. Steam catapults, which use about 614 kilograms of steam per launch, have extensive mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic subsystems. EMALS uses no steam, which makes it suitable for the Navy's planned all-electric ships. The EMALS could be more easily incorporated into a ramp. Compared to steam catapults, EMALS can control the launch performance with greater precision, allowing it to launch more kinds of aircraft, from heavy fighter jets to light unmanned aircraft. EMALS can also deliver 29 percent more energy than steam's approximately 95 megajoules, increasing the output to 122 megajoules. The EMALS will also be more efficient than the 5-percent efficiency of steam catapults. Other advantages includes lower system weight, cost, and maintenance; the ability to launch both heavier and lighter aircraft than conventional systems; and lower requirements for fresh water, reducing the need for energy-intensive desalination.

5.Applications

Systems to use EMALS EMALS is a design feature of the Ford-class carrier. Converteam UK were working on an electro-magnetic catapult (EMCAT) system for the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier. In August 2009, speculation mounted that the UK may drop the STOVL F35B for the CTOL F-35C model, which would have meant the carriers being built to operate conventional (CV) take off and landing aircraft utilizing the UK-designed non-steam EMCAT catapults. In October 2010, the UK Government announced it had opted to buy the F-35C, using a then-undecided CATOBAR system. A contract was signed in December 2011 with the General Atomics Company of San Diego to develop EMALS for the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers. However, in May 2012, the UK Government reversed its decision after the projected costs rose to double the original estimate and delivery moved back to 2023, cancelling the F-35C option and reverting to its original decision to buy the STOVL F-35B.