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
ODU RT

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

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
LEDsynergy partners with LEDX Technology

Aerospace Defence Security

LEDsynergy partners with LEDX Technology

8 May 2026

Andover based LEDsynergy, a long-established UK manufacturer of LED display solutions, has announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with India’s LED display manufacturer LEDX Technology, marking a significant step forward in its global production strategy.

Vision Engineering to showcase high-tech solutions at Smart Factory Expo

Aerospace Defence Events

Vision Engineering to showcase high-tech solutions at Smart Factory Expo

8 May 2026

UK based designer and manufacturer of high-tech ergonomic optical and digital inspection, metrology systems and bespoke engineering solutions, Vision Engineering Group, has revealed its expansive showcase for the upcoming Smart Factory Expo, taking place next month at the NEC in Birmingham from 3rd-4th June 2026.

ADS supports SMEs reinforcing UK defence capability

Defence Events

ADS supports SMEs reinforcing UK defence capability

8 May 2026

ADS recently hosted 'The Future Starts Small' in partnership with RC Fornax, bringing together SMEs, MoD stakeholders and defence leaders for a focused discussion on the future of UK defence capability.

Belfast boosts FSS programme

Defence

Belfast boosts FSS programme

7 May 2026

Navantia UK today welcomed Commodore Sam Shattock RFA, Commodore Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Rear Admiral Matthew Stratton, Director Naval Acquisition, to its Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast to see progress on the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Royal Navy uses tech for operational edge in Information Warfare

Defence Events

Royal Navy uses tech for operational edge in Information Warfare

7 May 2026

Navy Digital – the Service’s experts in digital capabilities, skills and Information Warfare – and other specialists from across the Royal Navy, teamed up with industry partners to test off-the-shelf cutting-edge technology that, when linked together, creates a ‘mesh network’ which can be deployed to enable front line operations.

MoD awards £6m eLoran concept contract to Team Elaris

Defence

MoD awards £6m eLoran concept contract to Team Elaris

7 May 2026

QinetiQ-led Team Elaris has been awarded a £6 million contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to develop a deployable solution concept for enhanced Long-Range Navigation (eLoran).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner