US Naval Air Systems Command has awarded General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) a $1.19 billion contract to support the aviation capabilities of US and French Navy aircraft carriers.
The agreement covers the production, development, logistics, and information assurance for the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) on the vessels.
Work will focus on the US Navy’s fourth Ford-class ship, the future USS Doris Miller (CVN 81), and the French Navy’s future PANG next-generation aircraft carrier.
Alongside EMALS and AAG services, General Atomics will deliver associated hardware and firmware obsolescence solutions and engineering support for evaluation and change implementation.
The company will also provide AAG and energy storage subsystem shipsets hardware for the CVN 81.
Meanwhile, work on the French vessel will consist of developmental research and a case study for potential EMALS and AAG procurement.
USS Doris Miller
CVN 51 is the second vessel named after the first enlisted African American to receive the Navy Cross for Valor during World War II.
The vessel was named in 2020 and had its keel laid in 2021. It is expected to be completed by 2026 and delivered to the navy by 2032.
“From coast to coast, our employees, subcontractors, and suppliers are excited to begin work delivering these critical launch and recovery technologies to the fourth carrier in the Ford-class,” GA-EMS President Scott Forney stated.
“Having GA-EMS now under contract to provide EMALS and AAG for the CVN 81 enables greater efficiency and utilization of our unique capabilities and resources to help meet construction and maintenance requirements and fleet readiness for all Ford-class carriers going forward.”
PANG Next-Gen Aircraft Carrier
France’s next-generation aircraft carrier is scheduled for delivery by 2038, during which the country’s only aircraft carrier, FS Charles de Gaulle, will retire.
Unveiled by Naval Group in 2022, the PANG will be 310 meters long and be powered by two TechnicAtome nuclear reactors.