Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • QinetiQ to support EMALS and AAG on next-gen US Navy aircraft carrier

Defence

QinetiQ to support EMALS and AAG on next-gen US Navy aircraft carrier

QinetiQ US has received a contract from General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS), to deliver control hardware and software for the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) to be installed on the US Navy's next Ford-class aircraft carrier, the future Doris Miller (CVN 81).



Above: USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
Courtesy QinetiQ / NAVAIR

This contract reflects a multi-year production task to update, procure, assemble, and test launch control and arresting control hardware. For more than a decade, QinetiQ has supported GA-EMS and the US Navy by providing the hardware and software for the EMALS Launch Control Subsystem, as well as control hardware and software for the AAG system. These systems were developed for and installed on the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and future Ford-class carriers John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) and Enterprise (CVN 80).

Advertisement
ODU RT

Christopher Forrest, Executive Vice President of Advanced Robotics and Mission Solutions at QinetiQ US, said: "QinetiQ US is honoured to continue our partnership with General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, delivering critical technology for the fourth ship in the Ford-class, CVN 81.

"Our ongoing commitment to excellence ensures that the Navy is equipped with the best systems to accomplish its mission with increased reliability, improved operational efficiencies and significantly decreased lifecycle costs."

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

Development and production of the hardware and software will be done in QinetiQ’s Franklin, Massachusetts facility.

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine construction

Defence

Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine construction

9 December 2025

Today, HII and Babcock have signed a contract that expands their strategic partnership for further support of Virginia-class submarine construction, to increase throughput at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division.

AtkinsRéalis secures partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines

Defence

AtkinsRéalis secures partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines

9 December 2025

AtkinsRéalis has been appointed to deliver nuclear propulsion and engineering capabilities to Rolls-Royce Submarines, supporting the UK’s growing submarines programme.

BAE Systems to equip US Navy submarines with MMM systems

Defence

BAE Systems to equip US Navy submarines with MMM systems

9 December 2025

BAE Systems has been awarded a $36 million production contract from Lockheed Martin to deliver Multifunction Modular Mast (MMM) systems for integration onto US Navy submarines.

Boeing expands UK footprint following Spirit AeroSystems acquisition

Defence

Boeing expands UK footprint following Spirit AeroSystems acquisition

8 December 2025

Boeing today announced the company has completed its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, significantly expanding its UK footprint in Northern Ireland.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Babcock unveils ARMOR

Defence

Babcock unveils ARMOR

8 December 2025

Babcock has unveiled ARMOR Force (Autonomous and Remote, Maritime Operational Response – Force), an architecture of disaggregated systems and platforms capable of independent operations and connected by advanced digital capabilities.

RAF Waddington hosts hydrogen energy tech demo

Defence Events

RAF Waddington hosts hydrogen energy tech demo

8 December 2025

GeoPura has delivered a landmark demonstration of its resilient, zero-emission hydrogen energy technology at RAF Waddington, showcasing the capability of two Hydrogen Power Units (HPU-Ms) to provide robust, off-grid electrical power suitable for deployed, expeditionary and main-base resilience applications.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle