Trump orders return to steam catapults for US carriers – does he have a point?
Catapults are fitted to carriers so they can launch bigger and heavier aircraft, being able to carry more fuel and greater payloads.
And while numerous system have been tested, for the past 75 years they've been powered by steam. However, one new technology has emerged in recent years in the shape of the electromagnetic launch system.
This promises a number of advantages over steam – but US president Donald Trump is unimpressed, recently ordering a return to the age of steam for the US Navy.
The case for EMALS
The US system in question is the electromagnetic aircraft launch system, or EMALS, which was developed by General Atomics and has already been fitted to the USS Gerald R Ford.
A similar magnetic system has been installed in China to the People's Liberation Army Navy carrier the Fujian.
According to General Atomics, the EMALS system offers a number of advantages over steam, saying it:
:: Improves operational reliability and efficiency
:: Launches a wider range of aircraft weights and speeds
:: Provides smoother acceleration for airframe and pilot
:: Reduces manning and lifecycle costs
:: Creates a quieter, cooler and safer environment
:: One moving part and minimal hydraulics simplify maintenance
:: Digital control with intuitive software and faster troubleshooting
No magnetic attraction for Trump
But President Trump is unconvinced by EMALS, preferring the tried and tested system that is steam, claiming it's proven, cheaper and more reliable.
Steam catapults were invented in the early 1950s, with the first trials on HMS Perseus in 1951 with her de Havilland Sea Hornets and the first operational installation entering US Navy service on USS Hancock in 1954.
Last October, he visited the Nimitz-class carrier USS George Washington – which uses steam catapults for launching her aircraft – and later compared her with the USS Doris Miller, the fourth carrier in the Gerald R Ford class.
In July, Mr Trump spoke of his visit, telling the Defence and Innovation summit: "I said 'I want to meet the catapult there'.
"And a man came over along with four of his assistants. And I said 'what's better, electric catapult or steam?'.
"He's been there for 25 years. He said 'steam is better, sir, we can fix it with a hammer and a blowtorch. When the electric goes bad, I have to send to MIT [Massachusetts Institute of Technology] to get geniuses over here'."
The Doris Miller had been expected to use EMALS along with a magnetic system for operating the weapons lifts – something else Mr Trump dislikes.
He said: "We're not letting any more ships be built with the ridiculous billions of dollars more they spent on electric catapults.
"And they're not good. They're not nearly as good. Too complex. And by the way, we had to call the ship in twice because the catapults didn't work. And I predicted that was true.
"And the same thing with the magnetic elevators. We want them to be made hydraulic.
"When a little water touches the magnets, it doesn't work anymore. And you're in the Atlantic Ocean with waves 60 feet high and the Pacific Ocean with waves that are 70 feet high. And they're talking about magnets. It makes you want to get sick."
EMALS voted awesome
Not everyone in the US Navy agrees with Mr Trump's thoughts on EMALS and steam.
In 2021, Captain Paul Lanzilotta, USS Gerald R Ford's commanding officer at the time, said the EMALS-equipped warship's technological innovations had boosted her operational prowess.
"This ship and her crew showcase a revolutionary leap forward in capability," said Capt Lanzilotta.
"Ford was designed with many new and advanced technologies, and throughout post-delivery test and trials and full-ship shock trials we have demonstrated that these systems are awesome.
"Our success with EMALS and AAG [advanced arresting gear], efficiently launching and recovering 8,157 aircraft to date, proves not only the sophistication of this revolutionary equipment, but also the ability to conduct flight operations with fewer personnel.
"We also expect less stress on the aircraft we send on mission to do our nation's work.
"All this will improve the effectiveness of naval aviation and make our embarked air wing even more lethal."
But despite this seal of approval, the carrier is set to follow suit with the USS Doris Miller and revert to steam following the president's orders.
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