After the "Fujian" aircraft carrier became the first in the world to use an electromagnetic catapult to launch a fifth-generation fighter jet, foreign military fans seem to have clearer eyes. Almost everyone is laughing at the U.S. "Ford" aircraft carrier, and some even bet that the ambitious Trump will order the U.S. Navy to quickly use the electromagnetic catapult on the Ford carrier to launch the F-35.
When the design and construction of the U.S. "Ford" aircraft carrier started, the F-35C carrier-based aircraft had not yet completed its development. Therefore, the initial configuration of the carrier, including the electromagnetic catapult and arresting gear, was mainly designed and tested around the characteristics of the then-main carrier-based aircraft, the F/A-18E/F "Super Hornet" (weight about 22-25 tons). The maximum takeoff weight of the F-35C is about 31.8 tons, which exceeds the main test range of the electromagnetic catapult of the "Ford" initially. This weight difference caused compatibility issues.
Secondly, the reliability of the electromagnetic catapult system on the "Ford" aircraft carrier did not meet expectations. Its design goal was to have one failure every 4,100 launches, but in actual early testing, the failure rate was much higher than this, with reports stating that there was a failure every 272 or 400 launches on average. This seriously affected the sortie efficiency.
Moreover, the theoretical maximum launch weight of the electromagnetic catapult system on the "Ford" aircraft carrier is about 41-45 tons, but in early practical tests, the stable launch weight range was mostly concentrated around 25 tons, which is difficult to meet the needs of the F-35C for full-load takeoff. There are also claims that the F-35C was initially designed and tested according to the acceleration curve of a steam catapult, while the thrust curve of the electromagnetic catapult is different. There were initially problems with "excessive or insufficient thrust." This can cause additional stress on the aircraft's structure and avionics equipment. The stealth coating and precision electronic equipment of the F-35C are more sensitive to this, posing a risk of damage.
In summary, the "Ford" aircraft carrier cannot launch the F-35C due to a combination of factors such as initial design compatibility issues, insufficient reliability of new technologies (especially EMALS electromagnetic catapults and AAGS advanced arresting gear), budget constraints, and complex system integration challenges. These issues highlight the difficulties the United States faces when integrating multiple cutting-edge technologies on large weapons platforms.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843975662677003/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.