About the EMALS

 

I don't know EMALS design on details but it should not be that challenging, Electromagnetic ramp technology have been in use in for a quite long time in many industrial domain.

 

Technically, Electricity is much more efficient then hydraulic/steam to transfer power. Unless EMALS have a terrible design, it should require less energy to lunch a equivalent weight then traditional steam catapult. 

 

For me, steam catapult are completely outdated. Its a bit like having a diesel powered locomotive that would use steam to transfer energy to the wheel.

From what I understand, the problem with EMALS isn't that it won't work, but that it works too well.  It uses so much force that it could tear an aircraft apart when launched.

 

Steam cats work, and that's really all you need!  Granted, they are overdue for replacement, but hey, if it works...

Is it really a problem? From what i know electric force can be adjusted on the nanosecond level.  EMALS could have a smooth acceleration curve. I am sure it would be less stressful for the airframe then steam powered catapult curently are.

Second carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, may be sold to India. India confirms they are interested and are talking. < link >

 

Credible sources?

As in there are none here. Fish-wrap and compost.

 

The article is from UK Guardian. Of course, that's not credible enough for you. Nothing is.

I watched Prime Minister's Questions (best program on C-SPAN, BTW), and a question came up about the carriers.  Brown said that both (he emphasized the word) would be built in British dockyards.  Then again, that's politics.

 

I'm not discounting the Guardian article entirely, since the MoD has been known to do incredibly boneheaded things in the past.