Electromagnetic catapult

For the specific system used by the United States, see Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System.

An electromagnetic catapult is a type of aircraft catapult that uses a linear induction motor system rather than the single-acting pneumatic cylinder (piston) system in conventional steam catapults. The system is typically used on aircraft carriers to launch fixed-wing carrier-based aircraft, employing the principles of electromagnetism and Lorentz force (similar to the propulsion used on maglev trains) to accelerate and assist their horizontal takeoff from the shorter flight deck runways.

Currently, only the United States and China have successfully developed electromagnetic catapults, which are installed on the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers (currently only the lead ship CVN-78 being operational), the Type 003 aircraft carrier Fujian and the upcoming Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan (51).

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