F-35C First Landing & Launch on JFK – A First for Ford-Class Carriers

[Hamartia Antidote]

but..but..but...EMALS and the new wire catch system doesn't work for F-35s on the new Ford class carriers...PDF told me so!!!


Landing...but the F-35 tail hook wasn't supposed to work


Taking off...but that's impossible

 

[mnztr]

Took them a while, technically, EMALS should be able to perfectly replicate the loads of a steam cat and even reduce peak loads. I guess we can assume this is a significantly updated EMALS spec. Probably hardware and software changes.

Has anyone found any info on the Chinese approach to EMALS? They just launched a HUGE drone from their LHD. A while back I heard their carrier systems are DC from the Fujian on.

 

[SolarWarden]

Took them a while, technically, EMALS should be able to perfectly replicate the loads of a steam cat and even reduce peak loads. I guess we can assume this is a significantly updated EMALS spec. Probably hardware and software changes.

Has anyone found any info on the Chinese approach to EMALS? They just launched a HUGE drone from their LHD. A while back I heard their carrier systems are DC from the Fujian on.

Chinese don't post/disclose problems with their weapons development unless it is obvious which convinces the wumao army that chinese emals are the best because no issue has ever occurred.

 

[mnztr]

Chinese don't post/disclose problems with their weapons development unless it is obvious which convinces the wumao army that chinese emals are the best because no issue has ever occurred.

That sorta makes sense TBH. But I did find this:

Technology: The Fujian is equipped with three electromagnetic catapults powered by a Medium-Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) integrated power system—making it the first carrier in the world to use MVDC-based EMALS rather than alternating current (AC).

In my admittedly limited understanding of linear motors, DC might afford better control then AC.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

Took them a while,

The only reason is because the deck heat tolerance strength of the USS Ford was finalized before the final specs of the F35C. It was then later determined the heat of the F-35Cs engine is so intense that it can actually damage the coatings on the USS Ford's deck...it had nothing to do with the EMALS/landing wires being incompatible or not working.









The PDF mantra was.."no it is because of incompatible tailhooks and EMALS is the core problem for why the F35 not being able to launch/land from the new Ford class carriers".

No, the USS JFK just showed that is not the problem.

Can it take off and land from the new Ford class carrier the USS JFK. Yes.
Can it take off and land from the new Ford class carrier the USS Ford. No.

 

[mnztr]

Ahh I thought that was the case since it has operated on Nimitz class for so long. Did not realize it was a network and structural issue.