Gerald R Ford Class Ship Brief (Patreon)

The Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers (CVN 78 class) are the latest generation of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers being built for the United States Navy. These carriers are designed to replace the older Nimitz-class carriers, offering significant advancements in technology, operational capabilities, and efficiency. Below is a detailed technical description of various aspects and systems of the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers.

General Characteristics

• Displacement: Approximately 100,000 tons (full load)

• Length: 1,106 feet (337 meters)

• Beam: 134 feet (41 meters) (waterline); 256 feet (78 meters) (flight deck)

• Draft: 39 feet (12 meters)

• Speed: 30+ knots

• Range: Unlimited, limited only by food and maintenance requirements

Propulsion System

• Reactors: 2 × A1B nuclear reactors

  • Power Output: Each reactor provides significantly more electrical power than the A4W reactors used in the Nimitz-class.

• Propellers: 4 × five-bladed propellers

• Shafts: 4

• Power Generation: Total of 104 megawatts of electricity, triple the Nimitz-class, providing increased electrical capacity for advanced systems.

Flight Deck and Aircraft Operations

• Catapults: 4 × Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)

  • Advancement: Replaces steam catapults, allowing for more controlled acceleration, reduced wear on aircraft, and ability to launch a wider range of aircraft, including lighter drones.

• Arresting Gear: Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG)

  • Function: Uses energy absorbers and digital controls to improve reliability and safety, and allows for recovery of a greater range of aircraft weights.

• Aircraft Elevators: 3 × electromagnetic elevators

  • Capacity: Each elevator can lift up to 24,000 pounds.

Air Wing

• Capacity: Approximately 75 aircraft

• Types of Aircraft: F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, C-2A Greyhounds, F-35C Lightning IIs, MQ-25 Stingray drones, MH-60R/S helicopters.

Radar and Sensors

• Dual Band Radar (DBR): Combines X-band AN/SPY-3 multifunction radar and S-band volume search radar.

  • Advantage: Allows simultaneous air and missile defense tracking and target engagement.

Electronic Warfare and Decoys

• AN/SLQ-32(V)6: Electronic warfare suite for detection and jamming of incoming threats.

• Nulka Decoy System: Active missile decoy system that launches expendable decoys to divert anti-ship missiles.

Combat Systems

• Aegis Combat System: Integrates the ship's sensors and weapons systems to engage multiple threats.

• Missile Launchers: Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) launchers for point defense.

Self-Defense and Close-In Weapon Systems

• Phalanx CIWS: 20mm radar-guided gun system for close-in defense against incoming missiles and aircraft.

• Mk 38 25mm Machine Guns: For close-in surface threat defense.

Command and Control

• Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS): Integrates and automates the ship’s defense systems for quicker response to threats.

• Integrated Communications and Information Systems: Advanced network-centric warfare capabilities, providing real-time data sharing with other naval assets.

Automation and Efficiency

• Reduced Manning: Designed to operate with approximately 2,600 sailors, 600 fewer than a Nimitz-class carrier.

• Automated Systems: Advanced systems reduce the need for manual intervention, increasing efficiency and reducing crew workload.

Power and Auxiliary Systems

• Electrical Distribution: Improved electrical distribution network to support high-powered systems like EMALS and DBR.

• Auxiliary Boilers: Provide steam for onboard services, though less reliance on steam compared to older carriers due to electric-powered systems.

Survivability and Damage Control

• Redundant Systems: Multiple redundant systems for critical functions ensure survivability in combat.

• Fire Suppression: Advanced fire suppression systems including aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for flight deck and internal compartments.

Construction and Maintenance

• Modular Construction: Built using modular construction techniques to improve build efficiency and reduce construction time.

• Maintenance: Designed for reduced maintenance requirements, extending operational availability and reducing lifecycle costs.

Conclusion

The Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers represent a significant leap forward in aircraft carrier technology, with enhancements in propulsion, aircraft launch and recovery systems, radar, and combat capabilities. These advancements enable the U.S. Navy to project power more effectively and efficiently, while also improving the survivability and operational readiness of the carrier fleet.