US Carriers Reverting to Steam Catapults
DefenseComments
It is similar to the shift back to simpler armor plating in some ground vehicles. Reliability in high-intensity conflict usually beats theoretical efficiency.
But maybe this means the crews get more training on systems they actually trust... could this lead to faster deployment times during a crisis?
Does the "past" actually work for the new airframes? Modern jets are lighter and more sensitive than the old ones. Is steam really the solution or just a comfortable retreat?
makes more sense when you consider the attrition rates in the hormuz strait.
If we are seeing that much attrition, how does swapping catapults actually help the crews on those ships? Does this change the turnaround time for getting planes back in the air?
I disagree that the attrition in the strait necessitates this move. The catapult system is about launch capability, not how the drones perform once they are already in the air.
The Ford class has struggled with EMALS availability rates since commissioning. Returning to steam eliminates the power surge issues that caused frequent launch delays during trials.
What happens if adversary nations successfully integrate electromagnetic systems? We might prioritize current reliability but sacrifice the ability to launch heavier, next-generation drones that steam cannot handle.