PATUXENT RIVER, Md. –
The U.S. Navy awarded General Atomics a $1.204-billion contract modification June 7 to build the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) for the future USS Doris Miller (CVN 81).
The contract includes AAG and EMALS production, shipset deliveries, engineering change orders, production incorporation of obsolescence mitigations, program support, installation and certification support for CVN-81 through 2032.
Capt. Mike Kline, program manager for the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Program Office, said the contract award is an important evolution in the future of launch and recovery for naval warfare.
“As the fourth Ford-class aircraft carrier to enter the fleet, CVN-81 can lean on [USS Gerald R. Ford] CVN 78’s experience, and the lessons learned while advancing EMALS and AAG for the next generation of Sailors,” he said.
EMALS and AAG certification on USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is currently underway, and system production on USS Enterprise (CVN 80) is near completion. Production work for EMALS and AAG on the CVN 81 will begin immediately, with support planned through 2032.
From the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Program Office. 