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
DSEI 2025

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
Gulfstream RT

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

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Galvion wins US Marine Corps IHS contract

Defence

Galvion wins US Marine Corps IHS contract

12 August 2025

Galvion has been awarded the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Integrated Helmet System (IHS) contract.

Getac to present its latest defence tech at DSEI

Defence Events

Getac to present its latest defence tech at DSEI

12 August 2025

Getac will be showcasing its latest rugged defence tech solutions for defence professionals at DSEI 2025 (9th-12th September, Excel, London).

STS Defence to supply Hunter comms masts

Defence

STS Defence to supply Hunter comms masts

11 August 2025

Gosport based STS Defence has been awarded a contract from Rohde & Schwarz Australia Ltd to provide the twin integrated main communications masts for the first three Hunter class frigates being delivered to the Royal Australian Navy under the Hunter Class Frigate Programme (HCFP).

Cranfield starts streamlining consultation

Aerospace Defence Security

Cranfield starts streamlining consultation

8 August 2025

Cranfield University is beginning a consultation on plans to restructure and resize the University to safeguard its future and set it on a new path to further opportunities in its areas of specialism.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
DIO and VIVO deliver fire training centre for RNAS Culdrose

Defence Security

DIO and VIVO deliver fire training centre for RNAS Culdrose

8 August 2025

A new £4.4-million Fire Rescue Training Centre built at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall has been officially handed over by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and VIVO Defence Services.

BAE Systems enhances AI capabilities via investment in Oxford Dynamics

Defence

BAE Systems enhances AI capabilities via investment in Oxford Dynamics

8 August 2025

BAE Systems has made a strategic investment in Oxford Dynamics, a UK-based deep-tech start-up specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, as part of its ongoing drive to identify and harness innovative technologies for rapid deployment.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT