170408-N-WZ792-198
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (April 8, 2017) The future USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) underway on its own power for the first time. The first-of-class ship — the first new U.S. aircraft carrier design in 40 years — will spend several days conducting builder’s sea trials, a comprehensive test of many of the ship’s key systems and technologies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ridge Leoni/Released)
In the realm of naval engineering, the USS Gerald R. Ford stands as a testament to human ingenuity and a pinnacle of stability principles.
Dissecting the architectural and engineering marvel of modern U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, particularly the USS Gerald R. Ford, reveals a tapestry of design prowess and intricate calculation that allays any fears of capsizing despite the behemoth’s asymmetric superstructure.
NORFOLK (Nov. 26, 2022) The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) returns to Naval Station Norfolk after completing their inaugural deployment to the Atlantic Ocean with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), Nov. 26. The GRFCSG, returned to Naval Station Norfolk following a scheduled deployment with Allies and partners in an effort to build strategic relationships and contribute to a stable and conflict-free Atlantic region, while also showcasing the U.S. Navy’s most advanced class of aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy Photo/Video by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Nathan T. Beard)
Aircraft carriers, among the largest and most potent ships on the high seas, exude an air of invincibility, grounded not in sheer size but in the precision of their design.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy’s newest supercarrier, is no exception. At first glance, this leviathan with a knife-like hull and a towering superstructure might strike an observer as a prime candidate for instability.
Yet, this could not be further from the truth.
The essence of the vessel’s stability lies in the well-calculated relationship between its center of buoyancy and the center of gravity. “The curve of the hull creates a ‘center of buoyancy’ that is located below the center of gravity of the ship,” an article published on July 26, 2023, explained. This strategic positioning ensures that the force of water pushing up on the hull is more than the the force of gravity pulling the ship down, fostering a stabilizing moment that counters any inclination to tip over.
131011-N-KK576-015
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Oct. 11, 2013) Newport News Shipbuilding floods Dry Dock 12 to float the first in class aircraft carrier, Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua J. Wahl/Released)
This stability is further augmented by the hull’s insane curvature, approximately 18 inches at the keel, which not only ensures that the weight of the ship is distributed evenly but also significantly decreases hull drag by creating a streamlined shape. As a result, the carrier moves through the water with notable efficiency, defying the very visual cues that might suggest it would do otherwise.
Weight distribution plays a critical role in preserving equilibrium, especially when dealing with a full complement of fuel and ammunition. Heavy components such as engines and aircraft are strategically placed near the center of gravity, ensuring the vessel remains well-balanced. Additionally, the ship’s weight is meticulously controlled to prevent being too top-heavy, a scenario that would increase the risk of capsizing in heavy seas.
200604-N-BD352-0199
ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 4, 2020) The Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), front, and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) transit the Atlantic Ocean, June 4, 2020, marking the first time a Nimitz-class and Ford-class aircraft carrier have operated together underway. Gerald R. Ford is underway conducting integrated air wing operations, and the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group remains at sea in the Atlantic as a certified carrier strike group force ready for tasking in order to protect the crew from the risks posed by COVID-19, following their successful deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Isaac Esposito/Released)
The USS Gerald R. Ford, like its predecessors, incorporates a bevy of stabilizers, including bilge keels, fin stabilizers, and the rudder. These elements contribute to the ship’s steadfastness against rolling and yawing, particularly in tumultuous conditions. The carrier is also equipped with systems like the bilge pump and damage control systems, which serve as safeguards against capsizing or sinking.
Aircraft carriers are fortified with steel, divided into watertight compartments to mitigate the risk of sinking should one be compromised. “The aircraft carrier has a large number of stabilizers, which help to keep the ship from rolling in the waves,” the same July 26, 2023, article pointed out. Further enhancing stability, these systems have been refined over time, significantly reducing incidents and fatalities.
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) successfully completes the third and final scheduled explosive event of Full Ship Shock Trials while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 8, 2021. The U.S. Navy conducts shock trials of new ship designs using live explosives to confirm that our warships can continue to meet demanding mission requirements under harsh conditions they might encounter in battle. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Novalee Manzella)
A deeper dive reveals that the perceived tapering of these ships is limited to the waterline, designed to minimize drag at the surface. Below the waterline, carriers possess a wide, flat bottom, securing an inherently stable platform.
related images you might be interested.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III tours the flight deck of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) with Ford Commanding Officer, Capt. Rick Burgess, Dec. 20, 2023. Ford is underway in the Eastern Mediterranean as part of the U.S. effort deter neither state or non-state actors should hope to escalate the ongoing conflict beyond Gaza. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)131011-N-KK576-003
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Oct. 11, 2013) Susan Ford Bales, ship’s sponsor for the first in class aircraft carrier, Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), tours the dry dock prior to flooding the basin and floating Ford for the first time. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua J. Wahl/Released)Portsmouth, UK – 16th November 2022: The USS Gerald R Ford Aircraft Carrier at anchor near to Portsmouth UK during a visitNEWPORT NEWS, Va. (April 8, 2017) – Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Sailors man the rails as the ship departs Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding for builder’s sea trials off the coast. The first- of-class ship—the first new U.S. aircraft carrier design in 40 years—will spend several days conducting builder’s sea trials, a comprehensive test of many of the ship’s key systems and technologies. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Christopher Delano)NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Nov. 09 2013) Ship’s Sponsor Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President Gerald R. Ford, christens the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during a ceremony at Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding. The Ford is the first of a new class of aircraft carriers replacing the 10-ship Nimitz class launched in 1972. The Ford-class brings improved warfighting capabilities, quality of life improvements and reduced acquisition and life cycle costs. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua J. Wahl/RELEASED)
