[US] Trump Orders Removal of Maglev-Based Launch Systems from Aircraft Carriers, Citing Reliability Concerns
Source: Der Standard
Original title:
Dampfkatapulte statt modernem Maglev-System: Trump ordnet milliardenteuren Rückbau von Flugzeugträgern an
Date: August 14, 2026, 07:45
Original language: German
Web link: https://www.derstandard.at/story/300000 ... raegern-an
Accessed: August 15, 2026
US President Donald Trump ordered the retrofitting of Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers to replace their electromagnetic launch systems (EMALS)—based on maglev technology—with traditional steam catapults, despite EMALS being a newer, more reliable system.
The August 13 memorandum affects the fourth ship, USS Doris Miller, with the abandonment of EMALS likely costing taxpayers hundreds of millions. Trump has repeatedly criticized EMALS, stating: “[Translated quote] They spent billions of dollars more on electric catapults, and they are not good. They are not nearly as good, too complex.”
Manufacturer General Atomics cautioned that a course reversal—with production already ~50% complete—entails significant risks for costs, timelines, and integration. The Navy selected EMALS in 2009 for its lower maintenance requirements and reduced stress on aircraft during launch. By March 2026, the USS Gerald R. Ford had completed 36,863 launches using EMALS.
The order also allows foreign shipbuilders with substantial US investments to temporarily construct up to two ships in their home yards to quickly address fleet gaps. Trump additionally directed the establishment of a fifth naval shipyard to increase repair capacity for submarines and aircraft carriers.
[US] Trump Orders Removal of Maglev-Based launch systems from Aircraft Carriers
[US] Trump Orders Removal of Maglev-Based launch systems from Aircraft Carriers
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Re: [US] Trump Orders Removal of Maglev-Based launch systems from Aircraft Carriers
- 2026-08-14_Der_Standard.at
Translated:Wenn es nicht ordentlich dampft, ist es für Donald Trump kein Flugzeugträger.
If it doesn't produce plenty of steam, it's not an aircraft carrier in Donald Trump's eyes.
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Photo REUTERS/Marco Garcia
Source: Der Standard
Original title:
Dampfkatapulte statt modernem Maglev-System: Trump ordnet milliardenteuren Rückbau von Flugzeugträgern an
Date: August 14, 2026, 07:45
Original language: German
Web link: https://www.derstandard.at/story/300000 ... raegern-an
Accessed: August 15, 2026
No longer active on Twitter (X).