General Atomics has introduced a new drone catapult system designed for use on warships. The company, known for its work on the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) for the US Navy’s Ford-Class aircraft carriers, is now offering these systems to international navies to support drone operations.
EMALS and AAG are innovative technologies that utilize electromagnetic energy instead of traditional steam catapults, allowing for reduced maintenance and smoother launches. This advancement enables smaller ships like destroyers to launch drones effectively.
According to a report from Naval News dated January 17, General Atomics showcased a drone launcher using a smaller version of EMALS technology at the United States Surface Navy Association Symposium. Gary Hopper, Vice President of Strategic Development at General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, stated: “We’re talking about takeoff distance of 22 meters” or 72 feet. Compared to the 300 feet needed for manned aircraft using EMALS, this represents a significant reduction in size requirements.
Renderings have shown this technology on a UK Royal Navy Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier alongside F-35B Lightning IIs. The Gambit family drones were depicted on deck, indicating potential deployment by both the UK Royal Navy and possibly other services such as the United States Air Force.
The USAF is considering Gambit drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems as part of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs for GA-ASI, remarked: “The CCA program redefines the future of aviation and will shape the USAF acquisition model to deliver affordable combat mass to the warfighter at the speed of relevancy.”
Dave Alexander, President of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., highlighted affordability concerns in CCA development during comments at the 2024 Air, Space & Cyber Conference: “Obviously you don’t want them to be silver bullets where they cost so much that you can’t afford to lose them.” He emphasized balancing survivability with cost-effectiveness.
General Atomics aims to provide affordable airpower solutions from sea-based platforms through scalable electromagnetic catapult systems and low-observable surveillance drones within the Gambit family.
