The future is here: EMALS launches F-35 |
DoD Buzz
This week the future Navy takes a step closer with the F-35C being launched by an Electromagnetic Catapult system.
Test pilot Lt. Christopher Tabert said. “It felt very similar to the steam test launches we did this summer [in the F-35C]. It was quite an honor for me to play a small part in our launch today.”

The F-35C completed 50 steam powered launches.  Over the last 12 months, the EMALS team launched a E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, C-2A Greyhound, a T-45 Goshawk and several F/A-18 with and without weapons.

The EMALS system is seen at the next big leap in carrier technology, for both the US and UK.  As the UK is planning on using the system in the Queen-Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier.