Gerald R. Ford’s shock trials reach an explosive end
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford completes the third and final scheduled explosive event for Full Ship Shock Trials while underway in the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo: USN)
The USN conducts shock trials of new ship designs to ensure that vessels meet mission requirements and withstand battle conditions.
USN aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has conducted a third and final explosive event, bringing an end to the ship’s Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST).
The USN uses shock trials to validate the ability of a ship to sustain operations during simulated combat with live ordnance.
During the tests, Ford endured the impact of three 40,000lb detonations at distances sequentially closer to the ship.
USN future aircraft carrier programme office manager CAPT Brian Metcalf said: ‘The Navy designed the Ford-class carrier using advanced computer modelling methods, testing, and analysis to ensure the ships are hardened to withstand harsh battle conditions,’
Metcalf added that the demonstrations proved to the crew that the carrier would sustain significant shock and operate in ‘extreme conditions’.
Ford will now begin six months of Planned Incremental Availability in the US’ Tidewater region.
Personnel will conduct detailed assessments of any damage caused during the shock trials ahead of the vessel’s deployment in 2022.
FSSTs are conducted to a precise operating schedule and feature strong requirements on mitigating environmental impacts, including the known migration patterns of marine life.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Gerald R. Ford Class (CVN 79 to CVN 81) [USN]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand]()
RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand
The US multinational company is currently assembling 300 Rolling Airframe Missile rounds per year, with plans to reach 800 units annually after significant investment and modernisation of its facilities.
-
![Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA]()
Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA
RTX’s solution for DARPA’s Pulling Guard programme is intended to provide advanced maritime defence technologies to protect platforms against uncrewed surface vehicles and other threats.
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
