New Naval Ships Will Use Electromagnetic Systems

From Janes, the premier military magazine, comes a report on the Navy's plans to replace steam power on our warships with new electromagnetic technology.

Construction of the first in a new line of carriers, Gerald R Ford (CVN 78), is due to begin in 2008 and the USD10.5 billion ship will use electricity instead of steam for launching combat aircraft, cooking meals and heating sailors' living quarters.

You might recall from last month that the Navy is testing an electromagnetic railgun which can fire at Mach 7 and hit a target 200 miles away with a speed still as high as Mach 5.

No indications that the new ships will have this technology, at least not right away, but it illustrates some of the new and innovative ways we're exploring to defend America.

Additionally, they will have radar systems that don't have to rotate, reducing wear and tear on the mechanics of the system.

The carriers will also have electromagnetic launch systems for the aircraft which the article says will "push them smoothly aloft" instead of the jolt of the steam powered system currently used.

Some of the enhancements will make things more efficient, reducing the crew size needed by 1,000 to 1,200.