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Next > e-Cats Aircraft carrier catapults are about to enter
the electric age. Existing steam technology has been around for decades, and is
a maze of steam pipes, valves and hydraulics that all require a large maintenance
contingent. These steam "cats" are large, heavy and inefficient. The Navy's new
models now in the test phase use linear induction motors that are driven into explosive
motion by energy provided from advanced storage systems. Fine tuning of the acceleration
parameters to individual aircraft needs will increase the life of airframes and
lower maintenance costs. These new systems will be half the size and cost of existing
steam systems, and require 30% fewer maintenance team members. These e-cats are
due to begin service by the end of the decade.
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