Trump Orders US Navy to Return to Traditional Aircraft Launch System

WASHINGTON, Aug 14: U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Navy to abandon the modern electromagnetic system used to launch fighter jets from aircraft carriers and return to the traditional steam-powered catapult system.

Under the directive, the Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy have been asked to submit plans within two months for removing the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and replacing it with the conventional steam-powered technology.

According to reports, the conversion will begin with the USS Doris Miller, the fourth Ford-class aircraft carrier. The ship’s electromagnetic aircraft launch system and associated lifts will also be replaced with conventional technology.

The EMALS system uses electromagnetic technology to launch fighter aircraft from the deck of an aircraft carrier. Supporters of the system say it requires fewer personnel, enables faster aircraft launches and occupies relatively less space aboard the carrier.

The traditional steam-powered catapult system, however, requires more manpower and maintenance. Replacing the modern system with the conventional technology is expected to involve costs running into billions of dollars.

Trump has previously expressed reservations about EMALS. During his first presidential term, he had advocated the use of conventional steam-powered catapults instead of the newer electromagnetic system on aircraft carriers.

According to the report, the USS Gerald R. Ford, USS John F. Kennedy and USS Enterprise have been exempted from the immediate change, while the USS Doris Miller will become the first aircraft carrier to undergo the conversion.

The decision comes as the U.S. Navy faces various operational and manpower challenges, including difficulties in ensuring the required staffing levels aboard its aircraft carriers.