US Navy’s new ship redefines Naval airpower

The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) departs Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment, May 2, 2023. [US Navy]

The Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is the first ship in the Navy’s newest class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

It replaces the older Nimitz class and brings more power, lower costs, and advanced systems to face modern threats.

The Ford’s main strength is its airpower. It can carry up to 90 aircraft, such as F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2 Hawkeyes, F-35C Lightning IIs, SH-60 Seahawk helicopters, and drones.

With this force, the ship can conduct 160 missions a day for over a month. In times of crisis, that number can surge to 270 missions.

Easier launch and landing

The ship introduces new systems to launch and land planes.

The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) uses electricity instead of steam to propel aircraft.

This makes takeoffs smoother, faster, and more efficient. EMALS can handle both heavy jets and light drones.

For landings, the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) improves safety. It can stop a wider range of aircraft, including UAVs, and needs fewer crew to run it because it is more automated.

Stronger defenses

The Ford carries modern weapons to defend itself.

One of the most important is the RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM).

This missile can hit cruise missiles, surface threats, drones, and helicopters.

It flies at four times the speed of sound and uses radar for accuracy.

By loading four missiles in one cell, the ship can carry more without taking up extra space.

The Ford also has advanced radar. The Dual Band Radar (DBR) combines two powerful systems to track threats from the air, sea, and under water at the same time.

This gives commanders a full picture of the battle.