For those who would like to know something about EMALS and how it works, here is a primer. This information is specific to the EMALS system that has been developed for the Ford class carriers of the US Navy, but would also be applicable in principle to any Chinese carrier desiring an EMALS system::
EMALS consists of six major subsystems:
- The Prime Power Interface
- The Launch Motor
- The Power Conversion Electronics
- The Energy Distribution System
- The Launch Control
- The Energy Storage System
Prime Power Interface:
This interface provides the connection to the ship’s electrical distribution system and delivers power to drive the energy storage system.
Launch Motor:
This is a 100,000 horsepower linear induction motor. It is a compact, modular, integrated flight-deck structure that converts electrical current into the electromagnetic forces needed to accelerate aircraft along the launch track. The system is designed to be able to tolerate a broad range of conditions and aircraft on the flight deck. A moving shuttle attaches to the aircraft in the same manner as existing steam catapults. After the aircraft launches, the electric current in the motor reverses to brake the shuttle to a complete halt without the use of any water brake.
Removing the water break deletes a layer of complexity to the system and also contributes to the rest and quality of life of personnel sleeping a couple decks below in junior officers quarters who now do not have to deal wth the sound of the water break's operation.
Power Conversion Electronics:
This system takes the power from the power storage system and converts it to a traveling wave of energy of the appropriate voltage and current to drive the shuttle along the launch track for the appropriate load (aircraft). Based on solid-state technology, the conversion electronics are packaged as compact modules in cabinets located below deck.
Energy Distribution System:
This system delivers the energy from the power conversion system to the launch motor. The system is comprised of cables, disconnects, and terminations to precisely deliver the power required. This incorporates a closed loop control system with real time diagnostic health monitoring that can detect launch anomalies within 500 microseconds and adjust the system to compensate for issues ranging from aircraft engine flameouts to blown tires.
Launch Control:
EMALS uses a state-of-the-art components to finitely deliver the current into the launch motor in real time. This allows more precise end-speeds to be achieved over a wider range of aircraft types and weights than with a steam catapult. System architecture with several layers of inherent redundancy is achieved using commercial off-the-shelf components where possible, and modularity is emphasized to ease installation and maintenance.
Energy Storage System:
Potential energy for EMALS is stored with a highly developed flywheel system that fully powers each cat stroke, even if the electrical power supply is temporarily disrupted. Enough energy is stored to power multiple two- to three-second launches. The system is recharged by ship’s power system.
EMALS consists of six major subsystems:
- The Prime Power Interface
- The Launch Motor
- The Power Conversion Electronics
- The Energy Distribution System
- The Launch Control
- The Energy Storage System
Prime Power Interface:
This interface provides the connection to the ship’s electrical distribution system and delivers power to drive the energy storage system.
Launch Motor:
This is a 100,000 horsepower linear induction motor. It is a compact, modular, integrated flight-deck structure that converts electrical current into the electromagnetic forces needed to accelerate aircraft along the launch track. The system is designed to be able to tolerate a broad range of conditions and aircraft on the flight deck. A moving shuttle attaches to the aircraft in the same manner as existing steam catapults. After the aircraft launches, the electric current in the motor reverses to brake the shuttle to a complete halt without the use of any water brake.
Removing the water break deletes a layer of complexity to the system and also contributes to the rest and quality of life of personnel sleeping a couple decks below in junior officers quarters who now do not have to deal wth the sound of the water break's operation.
Power Conversion Electronics:
This system takes the power from the power storage system and converts it to a traveling wave of energy of the appropriate voltage and current to drive the shuttle along the launch track for the appropriate load (aircraft). Based on solid-state technology, the conversion electronics are packaged as compact modules in cabinets located below deck.
Energy Distribution System:
This system delivers the energy from the power conversion system to the launch motor. The system is comprised of cables, disconnects, and terminations to precisely deliver the power required. This incorporates a closed loop control system with real time diagnostic health monitoring that can detect launch anomalies within 500 microseconds and adjust the system to compensate for issues ranging from aircraft engine flameouts to blown tires.
Launch Control:
EMALS uses a state-of-the-art components to finitely deliver the current into the launch motor in real time. This allows more precise end-speeds to be achieved over a wider range of aircraft types and weights than with a steam catapult. System architecture with several layers of inherent redundancy is achieved using commercial off-the-shelf components where possible, and modularity is emphasized to ease installation and maintenance.
Energy Storage System:
Potential energy for EMALS is stored with a highly developed flywheel system that fully powers each cat stroke, even if the electrical power supply is temporarily disrupted. Enough energy is stored to power multiple two- to three-second launches. The system is recharged by ship’s power system.
