Watch the US Navy Test Its Electromagnetic Jet Fighter Catapult

An anonymous reader sends word via Engadget that the U.S. Navy has tested its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System for the first time with a "dead-load" (a wheeled steel sled that weighs as much as a jet) aboard the Gerald R. Ford carrier. The article goes on to say: "Its advantages over traditional catapults that use steam instead of electromagnetic energy include smoother acceleration and its ability to place less stress on the aircraft — plus, it was designed to work even with more advanced carriers that the military will surely use in the future." You can watch a video of the "dead-load" testing here.

Comments

For once, I can say,

[weilawei]

WHOOSH!

And it's on topic.

Re:I don't get the point of this thing...

[NekSnappa]

now if we go with a destroyer or smaller craft that has electric propulsion, what you'll find is that they all have diesel generators in them. That is they burn GASOLINE... and the gasoline produces electricity and that electricity then drives electric motors.

I hope you never buy a diesel powered car.