Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • QinetiQ to support EMALS and AAG on next-gen US Navy aircraft carrier

Defence

QinetiQ to support EMALS and AAG on next-gen US Navy aircraft carrier

QinetiQ US has received a contract from General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS), to deliver control hardware and software for the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) to be installed on the US Navy's next Ford-class aircraft carrier, the future Doris Miller (CVN 81).



Above: USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
Courtesy QinetiQ / NAVAIR

This contract reflects a multi-year production task to update, procure, assemble, and test launch control and arresting control hardware. For more than a decade, QinetiQ has supported GA-EMS and the US Navy by providing the hardware and software for the EMALS Launch Control Subsystem, as well as control hardware and software for the AAG system. These systems were developed for and installed on the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and future Ford-class carriers John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) and Enterprise (CVN 80).

Advertisement
ODU RT

Christopher Forrest, Executive Vice President of Advanced Robotics and Mission Solutions at QinetiQ US, said: "QinetiQ US is honoured to continue our partnership with General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, delivering critical technology for the fourth ship in the Ford-class, CVN 81.

"Our ongoing commitment to excellence ensures that the Navy is equipped with the best systems to accomplish its mission with increased reliability, improved operational efficiencies and significantly decreased lifecycle costs."

Advertisement
ODU RT

Development and production of the hardware and software will be done in QinetiQ’s Franklin, Massachusetts facility.

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Galvion introducing CORTEX EVO at SOF Week 2026

Defence Events

Galvion introducing CORTEX EVO at SOF Week 2026

14 May 2026

Galvion will showcase the continued evolution of its CORTEX architecture at SOF Week 2026 (18th-21st May), featuring the introduction of its CORTEX EVO system.

ISTEC collaborates with SiNAB on complex weapons systems

Defence

ISTEC collaborates with SiNAB on complex weapons systems

14 May 2026

Complex weapons integration specialist ISTEC Services Ltd, has signed a key collaboration agreement with Australian defence technology company SiNAB Pty Ltd.

British Army to receive 72 RCH 155s

Defence

British Army to receive 72 RCH 155s

14 May 2026

Seventy-two Remote Controlled Howitzers (RCH 155) will be procured under a nearly £1 billion contract, which includes initial training and in-service support, awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on behalf of the British Army to ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between KNDS and Rheinmetall.

UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Strait of Hormuz mission

Defence

UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Strait of Hormuz mission

13 May 2026

Defence Secretary John Healey MP has outlined the UK contribution to the multinational Strait of Hormuz mission, with Britain deploying autonomous mine hunting equipment and cutting-edge counter drone systems, along with Typhoon jets and HMS Dragon, as part of a future defensive mission to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Canada awards Avon Protection respiratory solutions contract

Defence

Canada awards Avon Protection respiratory solutions contract

13 May 2026

The Government of Canada has awarded Avon Protection a five-year contract for the MITR-M1 Half Mask, MITR-PF Compact Particulate Filter and accessories.

Chevrolet Silverado HD added to Team LionStrike

Defence

Chevrolet Silverado HD added to Team LionStrike's UK defence portfolio

13 May 2026

The strategic collaboration between BAE Systems, GM Defence and NP Aerospace - Team LionStrike - formed to develop light utility and tactical vehicle options for British Armed Forces, has added the Chevrolet Silverado HD to its UK defence offerings.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard