What's happened
Trump has directed the Navy to plan the removal of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and related elevators on Ford-class carriers, replacing them with steam and hydraulic systems. The Doris Miller (CVN-81) would be the first to include the changes, with other Ford-class carriers remaining unchanged. The move aims to cut costs but faces potential delays and industrial-base challenges.
What's behind the headline?
Context and implications
- The shift back to steam could alter crew requirements, maintenance, and space on Ford-class carriers.
- Industry consensus cites significant cost, schedule, and integration risks as lines must be redesigned to accommodate steam piping and associated systems.
- This development could affect shipyard workflows and broader defense budgeting amid ongoing funding debates.
What this means for readers
- If implemented, the Navy’s carrier program may face a multi-year redesign and billions in additional costs.
- The decision underscores the administration’s willingness to rethink cutting-edge tech in favor of traditional methods when cost and reliability are in question.
How we got here
The Navy has long used EMALS on Ford-class carriers to launch aircraft more efficiently. Trump has repeatedly criticized EMALS since 2017, arguing steam is simpler and cheaper. Doris Miller is under construction; USS Ford, JFK and Enterprise are in various stages of service or completion. The memo requests plans within two months and signals a major shift in carrier design uncertainties.
Our analysis
Bloomberg notes General Atomics warns about higher costs and delays; Independent and AP confirm the memo, with emphasis on timing and bipartisan fiscal pressures. Business Insider UK provides detailed timeline and quotes from defense analysts. The reporting highlights tensions between innovation and industrial-base readiness.
Go deeper
- What are the exact cost estimates of switching back to steam for Doris Miller?
- How might this affect the delivery schedule of the Ford-class carriers?
- What are the broader implications for EMALS across the fleet?
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