![Header: ALRE-air.jpg](img/aircraft_headers/ALRE-air.jpg)
Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG)
![Computer-generated design of a complete one-wire Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system schematic (U.S. Navy graphic)]( img/uploads/thumb_AAGsystem.jpg)
AAG is a modular, integrated system consisting of energy absorbers, power conditioning equipment and digital controls which was designed to replace the existing Mk-7 arresting gear. AAG will be installed during construction of the future Ford-class aircraft carriers, starting with Gerald R Ford (CVN 78).
More InformationCompact Swaging Machine (CSM)
![The advanced hydraulic compact swaging machine will produce a new arresting gear terminal in an hour, replacing the current 12-hour, molten-zinc poured socket terminal maintenance method. (Photo courtesy Creare)]( img/uploads/thumb_compact_swag_photo1.jpg)
The CSM is an advanced hydraulic system that uses up to 800 tons of pressure to swage a terminal onto an aircraft carrier purchase cable. This terminal connects to the cross deck pendant that stretches across the flight deck which engages the arresting hook of an awaiting aircraft allowing for a smooth, controlled arrestment.
Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)
![On November 18, 2011, an F-35C Lightning II test aircraft piloted by Lt. Christopher Tabert launches for the first time from the new electromagnetic aircraft launch system. The new launch system has been installed on the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). The F-35C carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear to withstand catapult launches and deck landing impacts associated with the demanding aircraft carrier environment. Initial carrier trials for the F-35C are scheduled for 2013. The F-35C is undergoing test and evaluation at Naval Air Station Patuxent River and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst before delivery to the fleet. (U.S. Navy photo)]( img/uploads/thumb_111118-N-GR159-003.jpg)
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for CVN 78 and all future Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. The launching system is designed to expand the operational capability of Ford-class carriers, providing the Navy with capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms – lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters. The mission and function of EMALS remains the same as traditional steam catapult; however, it employs entirely different technologies. EMALS uses stored kinetic energy and solid-state electrical power conversion. This technology permits a high degree of computer control, monitoring and automation.
More InformationExpeditionary Airfields
![An F/A-18 lands on a runway using the M-31 expeditionary arresting gear at Al Asad air base, Iraq. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)]( img/uploads/thumb_Expeditionary Airfields.jpg)
Expeditionary Airfields (EAF) allow military aircraft to launch and land in any flat terrain, making it an in-disposable commodity for our armed forces and NATO allies.
Information Systems
![Landing signal officers watch an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105) land aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). (U.S. Navy photo)]( img/uploads/thumb_100725-N-6003P-244.jpg)
Information Systems plays an integral part in aircraft launch and recovery, from managing air operations onboard the ship to gathering wind speed and other data for landing signal officers to relay to pilots in the air.
More InformationLaunching Systems
![Sailors prepare aircraft for launch aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). (U.S. Navy photo)]( img/uploads/thumb_110703-N-KF029-035.jpg)
The Navy has been using steam for more than 50 years to launch aircraft from carriers. The launcher commodity encompasses not only catapults, but also the catapult control stations and jet blast deflectors.
Recovery Systems
![An EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the]( img/uploads/thumb_Recovery.jpg)
The ability to safely recover aircraft is vital to our military mission. As aircraft become more advanced, recovery procedures must be able to meet the demands with state-of-the-art technology.
Visual Landing Aids (VLA)
![An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter lands aboard the illuminated deck of the USS Nitze (DDG 94). (U.S. Navy photo)]( img/uploads/thumb_Recovery_VLA.jpg)
Day or night, visual, optical and surveillance systems enable shipboard takeoff, landing and situational awareness for Sailors on deck as well as approach and landing cues for pilots.