the Associated Press reported this move would likely cost billions of dollars and revert the most advanced ships to a system that needs more sailors to operate, and is tougher to maintain While the Republican president has long indicated his preference for the latter. President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to remove the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) for aircraft carriers and return to steam catapults.
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The memo has directed the Pentagon and the Navy to present Trump with plans to remove the EMALS within two months. The move has been met with backlash online with one security expert launching a vehement attack on the president’s most recent decision.
Security expert slams Trump’s switch to steam catapults
He has batted for steam technology as far back as 2017.
Indeed, the newest Chinese aircraft carriers has electromagnetic catapults and France also said it plans to use the system on its new carrier, as per AP. Trump has also said that Ford-class carrier’s electromagnetic weapons elevators should be replaced. “You’re going to goddamned steam,” Trump had told TIME magazine in an interview.
