The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) armature receives final touches before Sailors from Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) hook up the weighted sled used for ‘dead-load’ testing June 5. The bright orange sled was then successfully catapulted off the bow of the aircraft carrier for the first time. Ford completed two successful dead-load launches the initial test day. This test marked a significant milestone in the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (PMA-251) EMALS test program and a tremendous accomplishment for the NAVAIR team that has worked to prepare the new launch system for integration and testing aboard CVN 78.
Source / Author: NAVAIR
Photo: NAVAIR