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 “no-load” testing on catapults one and two, known as the ‘bow cats,’ the NNS team, alongside the John F. Kennedy crew, has now started “dead-load” testing. In this phase, large, wheeled, car-like structures of graduated weights up to 80,000 pounds to simulate the weight of actual aircraft are launched off the carrier’s 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 carrier-based 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 shipyard’s Family Day held in October.

[WhisThDctr]

Very cool. But honestly, I'm here for CVN-65 in the background. 🙂

[brucefye]

Wow! Good to see the new Kennedy almost done. I did design work on the old Kennedy CV 67, Ford CVN 78 and the old Enterprise CVN 65. Great to hear that the EMLS is going well compared to the Ford.

[vmpgsc]

EMALS acceleration profile is so smooth - that's impressive.

[scottbuildsthemall]

It was fun watching these tests on both of my carriers when we were in the NNSY. Thanks for posting this video!

[JoeyIndolos]

The first time I saw people skipping rocks, I was amazed that something so solid and heavy could bounce off a liquid, given the correct angle and sufficient speed. To see something weighing thousands of pounds do the same thing just blows my mind 😄

[mrkc]

That’s awesome. As a kid back in the 80’s I had the opportunity to go on the original JFK when she came into Boston Harbor for the tall ships celebration. It was great talking to the F-14 crews of the “Tomcatters”

[johnjones]

Good to see the EMALS working so well, but it was very sad to see, in the background, the condition of my old home, CVN65.

[hargrocs]

I got to see the final testing on CVN 78 2 years ago and it was amazing knowing that the rails are powered by magnetic coils under the deck.
When Ford left the dock, we went to the Kennedy and pulled miles of wiring throughout the ship.
What an experience! It was the hardest earned money I have ever made. I will always remember that shipyard.

[byronharano]

Thank you shipbuilders! The thousands of lives of US Navy sailors are in your capable hands. Bravo Zulu!

[shoper]

When I was working on Carriers at Puget Sound, deadload day was my favorite. I would always contrive a way to watch. Since my assigned work area was always the Flight Deck and higher, that normally wasn't too difficult.

[RevengeAvenger]

That's really amazing to see. It's also interesting how the light 7800 skips whilst the 18000 just creates a massive splash

[carol]

Enterprise was sailing when the old Kennedy was sailing
Now she's here watching how far we came with the New Kennedy right alongside her

[Tybearius]

My ship is in the background. *salute* Enterprise!

[clankster]

You guys make the coolest stuff. Thank you.

[donchaput]

I believe it's the first ship with refined EMALS, Elevators and Plumbing to fix the first in class issues. Excited to see it get to shock trials!

[CrazyDee]

I was on the USS Constellation (CV-64) when it was in the SLEP Program in Philly. I remember watching these trials on my signal bridge

[Jon.A.Scholt]

Wow, it's pretty crazy to see CV 65, the most recent Enterprise partially disassembled, next to JFK knowing JFK's new sister is a new Enterprise.
Side note; I wish we'd stop naming ships after people and would get back to naming them after ships of the past. There should be another Kitty Hawk, Hornet, Ranger, Yorktown, Saratoga. I also really wish they saved the names America and Constellation for new Ford class CVNs.

[MrJdubbya]

They used to do dead-load testing in Bremerton too but don't any more. Was very fun to watch.

[rickintexas]

I love technology, big machines, and American power! Keep on keeping America safe !!!

[wembozandco.]

this is pretty cool, but my attention may have been stolen by _Enterprise_ observing from the next spot over