e-Cats
Kirt's Cogitations™ #83

RF Cafe University"Factoids," "Kirt's Cogitations," and "Tech Topics Smorgasbord" are all manifestations of my ranting on various subjects relevant (usually) to the overall RF Cafe theme. All may be accessed on these pages:

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e-Cats

Aircraft carrier catapults are about to enter the electric age. Existing steam technology has been around for decades, and is a maze of steam pipes, valves and hydraulics that all require a large maintenance contingent. These steam "cats" are large, heavy and inefficient. The Navy's new models now in the test phase use linear induction motors that are driven into explosive motion by energy provided from advanced storage systems. Fine tuning of the acceleration parameters to individual aircraft needs will increase the life of airframes and lower maintenance costs. These new systems will be half the size and cost of existing steam systems, and require 30% fewer maintenance team members. These e-cats are due to begin service by the end of the decade.