John F. Kennedy ( CVN 79) Dead Load Testing

Newport News Shipbuilding recently began topside testing of the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) on aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). Following successful noload testing on catapults one and two, known as the bow cats, the NNS team, alongside the John F. Kennedy crew, has now started deadload testing. In this phase, large, wheeled, carlike structures of graduated weights up to 80, 000 pounds to simulate the weight of actual aircraft are launched off the carriers bow into the James River. They are then retrieved and relaunched until the conclusion of the test program to ensure the catapults are ready for their primary intended purpose: to launch all carrierbased fixed wing aircraft flown by the U. S. Navy. The first dead loads used in this testing have special significance. Family members of shipbuilders signed them with messages of congratulations and gratitude during the shipyards Family Day held in October.