Newport tests PALS on CVN 78
The Newport News Shipbuilding division of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has successfully tested the Precision Aircraft Landing System (PALS) on the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, HII announced on 10 August.
The PALS is a radar system that provides final approach and landing guidance for aircraft landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier. During the testing, a special instrumented F-18 Super Hornet aircraft flew within 500ft of the aircraft carrier ten times.
According to HII, the test verified the functionality, alignment and operation of the PALS equipment and subsystems.
While the PALS technology is used on Nimitz-class carriers, Gerald R Ford’s system is upgraded and modified for the new class’ island location and other design and technology changes. The dual band radar, also new to the Ford class, supported testing of the PALS.
Rolf Bartschi, vice president, CVN 78 carrier construction, Newport News Shipbuilding, said: 'Aircraft landing precision is at the core of an aircraft carrier’s mission. This test programme ensures that the systems are working together as they were designed to work before we take the ship to sea.'
More from Military Logistics
-
![Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine]()
Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine
New contract to support the Ardour turbofan is worth more than $1 billion.
-
![Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations]()
Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations
A pair of A330s will be converted by Airbus for aerial refuelling, logistical support, humanitarian aid, and medical evacuations.
-
![General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels]()
General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels
The latest $1.4 billion contract modification for General Dynamics NASSCO covers a new Expeditionary Sea Base ship and two more John Lewis-class fleet oilers.
-
![Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements]()
Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements
New MRO contract between Boeing Defence Australia and RUAG Australia replaces work previously done in the US.
-
![SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers]()
SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers
A systems integration contract for UK RN submarines is being extended to major surface vessels.
-
![USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships]()
USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships
Austal USA is to build two additional Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ships for the USN, after Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) exercised a $156.17 …
