The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a $737 million contract to the maker of a new aircraft catapult system after conducting a successful and eye-catching test run aboard the carrier Gerald R. Ford.
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, designed by General Atomics, flings aircraft into the sky using electromagnetic power, a significant improvement over the steam-powered catapults currently in use by the Navy, according to defense officials.
The catapult allows for smoother acceleration and can launch a wider range of vehicles, such as lightweight drones. “It gives us a lot of flexibility from a warfighting standpoint,” Rear Adm. Michael Manazir told USNI News.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Why Cell Phone Reception Is Getting Worse
- The Dirty Secrets of Alternative Plastics
- Israeli Family Celebrates Release of Hostage Grandmother
- We Should Get Paid for Our Online Data: Column
- The COP28 Outcomes Business Leaders Are Watching For
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2023
- The Top 100 Photos of 2023
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time