Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Robin_Hoodlum Dec 22, 2010 19:03:13	Electromagnetic as opposed to steam catapults currently in use on aircraft carriers. Notice the very short takeoff distance of the F-18. Neat! Unless the distance is less than a steam catapult, I don't really know the pros or cons of such a system. Seems prone to failure if the ship loses power. Probably back-up generators somewhere.... www.strategypage.com/military_videos/mil...
#2 toastedamphibian Dec 22, 2010 20:38:11	Pros and cons I can think of? Steam is a dangerous bitch, and pesky to conduct from one point to another safely... but the same is true of large amounts of electric current. Hmm.. Electromagnets are more likely to cause interferance with navigation equipment. Supporting equipment could mabey be synchronised with that needed for operation of the railguns, decreasing construction costs for both. Yeah... can't really think of many. It would mostly depend upon the cost of matienance and operation required for each: details I really am in no position to account for.
#3 toastedamphibian Dec 27, 2010 3:43:54	I wouldn't think the rail guns would be on the aircraft carriers, so it would not be the same system powering both items. However I like it. Well, if you could physically make them the same object, so much the better. But what I actually ment was a standardization of the parts between the two systems. Easier/Cheaper manufacturing and less necessary stock of spare parts for your fleet.
#4 Robin_Hoodlum Dec 27, 2010 8:31:54	A short article. www.strategypage.com/htmw/htnavai/articl...
#5 toastedamphibian Dec 27, 2010 16:55:27	the Ford is under construction, and a massive (and expensive) redesign would be needed to make room for the bulkier steam catapult. EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System) is preferred because it puts less stress on launched aircraft (it moves the aircraft forward more gradually), requires fewer people to operate, and is easier to maintain (not much plumbing, fewer mechanical parts and lots of sturdy electronics). The gentler treatment of launched aircraft now means that smaller aircraft can use the catapult. Sweet. It was nice of them to break down the benifits for us that time. Its smaller, needs fewer operators, less matinance, and is better for the aircraft meaning more crafts can use it safely. Very good reasons.