As the U.S. Navy grapples with integrating advanced technologies into the new Ford-class aircraft carriers, challenges and delays cast a long shadow over what should be a significant leap forward in naval warfare capabilities.

The ambitious integration of 23 new technologies, such as the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), has not only driven up costs by an estimated $40 billion but also pushed back the delivery schedule, with the USS Enterprise (CVN-80) now slated for as late as 2030.

In 2011, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday admitted the pitfalls of such a high-tech endeavor, stating, “We had 23 new technologies on that ship, which quite frankly increased the risk … of delivery on time and cost right from the get-go.”

One of the key issues has been the EMALS system, which, despite promising higher sortie rates and a smoother launch for pilots, encountered reliability numbers far below expectations as recently as 2020.

The Ford-class carriers, each costing an eye-watering $13 billion, have seen their introduction into service delayed due to these technical hurdles, as well as supply chain issues worsened by the pandemic.

The president of Huntington Ingalls, the shipbuilder responsible for the Ford-class carriers, cited specific part delays as a contributing factor, a problem similarly faced by other Navy projects such as the Columbia-class and Virginia-class Block IV submarines.

Testing for the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) aboard the second of these technological marvels, the future John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), involves launching dead loads equivalent to aircraft weight into the Atlantic, fine-tuning the system to ensure its readiness for manned vehicles.

The aim is a more compact system than traditional steam catapults, capable of adjusting power levels for various aircraft types, including drones.

Despite a rocky development phase on the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) with frequent breakdowns, EMALS seems to be reaching maturity.

In mid-2023, General Atomics received a contract to provide EMALS for the future USS Doris Miller and France’s next-generation aircraft carrier, PANG.

The Navy remains committed to building at least four Ford-class carriers and potentially expanding the fleet to replace older Nimitz-class carriers.

Yet, the challenges the Ford-class has faced are not simply technological. The program’s hefty financial burden, costing approximately $120 billion, has raised questions among congressional oversight bodies.

Issues of interest include future aircraft carrier force levels, cost growth in the program, delays in deployments, and the Navy’s efforts to manage costs effectively.

The story of the Ford-class aircraft carriers is a tale of aspiration and adversity. It encapsulates the complexities of modern military strategy, naval warfare, and technological advancement that captivate military tech and politics enthusiasts.

From the testing waters off the Virginia coast to the strategic discussions in Congress, the journey of the Ford-class carriers is closely monitored by those who understand the implications of these floating air bases on future naval engagements and global military posture.