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
PTC rectangle

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
ECS leaderboard banner
Smith Myers expands ARTEMIS capability

Aerospace Defence Security

Smith Myers expands ARTEMIS capability

5 March 2026

Smith Myers Communications Ltd. today announced the addition of passive Wi-Fi and Bluetooth detection and geolocation capability, together with ATAK Cursor-on-Target (CoT) integration, expanding the capability of its ARTEMIS system.

Metamorphic AM launches Rapid Geometry Review

Aerospace Defence

Metamorphic AM launches Rapid Geometry Review

5 March 2026

UK-based design and engineering consultancy, Metamorphic AM, which provides advanced computational Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) programmes, has launched Rapid Geometry Review, a new service aimed at making high-level DfAM expertise more commercially accessible.

Galvion receives Canadian DND order for Batlskin Caiman helmets

Defence

Galvion receives Canadian DND order for Batlskin Caiman helmets

5 March 2026

Galvion has received a new order from the Department of National Defence (DND) Canada for 29,000 Batlskin Caiman ballistic helmet systems.

Respect the Range access rules strengthen UK Defence

Defence Security

Respect the Range access rules strengthen UK Defence

5 March 2026

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is reminding the public to follow safe access rules when visiting military training areas, to keep everyone safe and avoid disrupting training.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Solid Swivel awarded DE&S contract for QEC aircraft carrier anchors

Defence

Solid Swivel awarded DE&S contract for QEC aircraft carrier anchors

4 March 2026

Skilled workers at Solid Swivel - a family-run business in The Midlands established in 1910 - will forge and assemble some of Britain's largest naval anchors in over 70 years, reviving manufacturing capability and ending reliance on imported anchors, following a contract award from Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S).

Cambridge Pixel set to introduce HPx-700

Aerospace Defence Security

Cambridge Pixel set to introduce HPx-700

4 March 2026

Cambridge Pixel has revealed that it will be introducing its new HPx-700, an ARM-based embedded Radar Input & Signal Processor, with the advanced radar system solution becoming available from next month.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner