U.S. "Ford" aircraft carrier is two generations ahead of other countries

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"Ford", the new generation nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the U.S. Navy, completed its dock flooding ceremony in the Newport New Shipbuilding of Virginia on October 11th. Major general Yin Zhuo told the media in an interview that the "Ford" is two generations ahead of other countries' aircraft carriers. Its comprehensive power system and electromagnetic aircraft launch system represent revolutionary changes.

According to Yin Zhuo the "Ford" carrier is more advanced than the "Nimitz" class carrier, which itself is more advanced than the aircraft carriers of other countries, thus the former is two levels more advanced than the aircraft carriers of other countries. Two aspects are of particular interest: the first is the comprehensive power system, and the second is the electromagnetic aircraft launch system. Both are revolutionary, and have created a significant generation gap between the "Ford" class and previous aircraft carriers.

The comprehensive power system of the carrier refers to a wholly information-based digital system controlled by computer with electricity as the power. It is this characteristic that enables the aircraft carrier to concentrate its energy on an electromagnetic aircraft launch system that can accelerate a 40-ton aircraft to the speed of 220 km/h within a few seconds.

The "Ford" carrier has also made it possible for the application of new-concept high energy weapons, something that is impossible for the "Nimitz" class aircraft carriers. The use of conventional power without computer control of total electric power prevents the onboard deployment of high energy weapons.

Yin Zhuo pointed out that the electromagnetic aircraft launch system represents a revolutionary development compared to the steam catapult. The electromagnetic launch system's range varies from 2 kg to more than 40 tons, while the steam catapult is limited to a maximum of 18 tons as a result of the risk of damage to its keel with heavier aircraft.

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