THE 21 ST CENTURY CARRIER GER ALD R. FORD (CVN 78) Enough electrical cable to reach the International Space Station approximately 7.6 times Enough fiber optic cable to reach the International Space Station approximately 3 times 10,000,000 FEET of installed electrical cable 4,000,000 FEET of installed fiber optic cable 162 1,026 superlifts tons performed by 1,050-ton gantry crane over 3.5 years HEAVIEST LIFT www.thefordclass.com Building an aircraft carrier is a giant task, REQUIRING THOUSANDS OF SKILLED SHIPBUILDERS, GENERATIONS OF EXPERIENCE, AND ENOUGH MATERIAL TO BUILD A SMALL CITY. BUILD A SMALL CITY. Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is not just large; she is the most technologically- advanced warship ever built. SHE IS MORE AUTOMATED, IS EASIER TO MAINTAIN, AND IS ABLE TO LAUNCH MISSIONS FASTER THAN ANY PREVIOUS CARRIER. CVN 78 IS THE FUTURE OF NAVAL AVIATION, AND THAT FUTURE IS HERE. increase in electrical capacity A new electrical distribution system with a 250% Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) replaces steam catapults, enabling a smoother launch for the airwing of the future. ELECTROMAGNETIC NEW REACTOR PLANTS increase electrical power generation. REDUCED MANNING Due to reduced maintenance, the ship and its air wing can operate with fewer positions and will save the U.S. Navy MORE THAN $4 billion over the ship’s 50-year life. CVN 78 is designed to be ready for the future of naval aviation as the Navy develops the next generation of manned and unmanned aircraft. The lighter software-controlled advanced arresting gear system increases the ability to recover smaller aircraft with reduced wear. ELECTRIC Water Heaters replace steam system. Extended INTERVAL: DRYDOCKING 12 YEARS CVN 78 can go between dry dock maintenance. CARGO ELEVATORS new system reduces manpower needed to transport cargo. INCREASED AC: INCREASING SPACE FOR FLIGHT DECK OPERATIONS and aircraft maintenance. and farther aft than on Nimitz-class carriers, MORE FLIGHT DECK: THE ISLAND IS SMALLER EXPANDABLE CAPACITY Ready for future warfare systems, such as high-energy laser The flow of weapons has been significantly UPGRADED to support increased SORTIE RATE. WEAPONS FL W FL W REDUCED BY OVER 1/3 FEWER COMPONENTS: number of valves WEAPONS ELEVATORS new electromagnetic hoist system replaces cable. Flexible Infrastructure IS DESIGNED CVN78 to quickly adapt interior spaces for new missions. INCREASED SORTIE RATE CVN 78 IS ABLE TO GENERATE per day than Nimitz-Class carriers. 25% MORE FLIGHT MISSIONS (SORTIES)