Trump Orders Steam Catapults, Navy Continues EMALS Work

Times of India · world

US President Donald Trump has ordered the Navy to revert to steam catapults for future Ford-class aircraft carriers, citing delays and cost overruns with the current electromagnetic launch system (EMALS). However, the Navy continues to award contracts for EMALS components, including a $49.3 million deal for its energy storage subsystem. Reintroducing steam catapults presents significant design and infrastructure challenges, especially for the USS Doris Miller, which is already partially built. The Navy argues EMALS offers superior performance and lower maintenance, capabilities that would be lost with a return to steam.