STALL testing on a new advanced linear induction machine, a core component in the Emcat (Electro Magnetic CATapult) launch track system designed to launch manned and unmanned aircraft from various platforms, has been successfully completed by its developer, GE Power Conversion.

Catapults incorporating the powerful new medium voltage advanced linear induction machine (MV Alim) will be capable of launching aircraft as large as the latest F35-C from aircraft carriers, while smaller versions (Emkits) will be used to launch unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from mobile or fixed installations.

The MV Alim can produce more than 230 kN of thrust the tests showed. Graham Bellamy, senior engineering leader at GE Power Conversion, Naval, believes that in terms of thrust density, this is the most powerful single linear motor ever energised.

“The tests on the MV Alim are the culmination of more than a decade of substantial investment and development in Emcat,” he said. “Stall testing satisfied all major test objectives of this new MV LIM. Thousands of launches have been proven previously on the smaller Emkit variant, which allows aircraft weighing up to 11 tonnes at speeds of up to 50 m per second to be launched. Smaller aircraft can be accelerated to speeds of up to 120 m per second.”