Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG)
AAG is a modular, integrated system consisting of energy absorbers, power conditioning equipment and digital controls which was designed to replace the existing Mk-7 arresting gear. AAG will be installed during construction of the future Ford-class aircraft carriers, starting with Gerald R Ford (CVN 78).
More InformationCompact Swaging Machine (CSM)
The CSM is an advanced hydraulic system that uses up to 800 tons of pressure to swage a terminal onto an aircraft carrier purchase cable. This terminal connects to the cross deck pendant that stretches across the flight deck which engages the arresting hook of an awaiting aircraft allowing for a smooth, controlled arrestment.
Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for CVN 78 and all future Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. The launching system is designed to expand the operational capability of Ford-class carriers, providing the Navy with capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms – lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters. The mission and function of EMALS remains the same as traditional steam catapult; however, it employs entirely different technologies. EMALS uses stored kinetic energy and solid-state electrical power conversion. This technology permits a high degree of computer control, monitoring and automation.
More InformationExpeditionary Airfields
Expeditionary Airfields (EAF) allow military aircraft to launch and land in any flat terrain, making it an in-disposable commodity for our armed forces and NATO allies.
Information Systems
Information Systems plays an integral part in aircraft launch and recovery, from managing air operations onboard the ship to gathering wind speed and other data for landing signal officers to relay to pilots in the air.
More InformationLaunching Systems
The Navy has been using steam for more than 50 years to launch aircraft from carriers. The launcher commodity encompasses not only catapults, but also the catapult control stations and jet blast deflectors.
Recovery Systems
The ability to safely recover aircraft is vital to our military mission. As aircraft become more advanced, recovery procedures must be able to meet the demands with state-of-the-art technology.
Visual Landing Aids (VLA)
Day or night, visual, optical and surveillance systems enable shipboard takeoff, landing and situational awareness for Sailors on deck as well as approach and landing cues for pilots.
Program Office Description
The Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Program Office (PMA-251) provides life-cycle acquisition management for Navy and Marine Corps systems and equipment utilized for the launch and recovery of current and future fixed and rotary wing aircraft. ALRE products include catapults, arresting gear, helicopter landing systems, wind measuring systems, aviation based information systems, aviation marking and lighting, recovery systems and visual landing aids, aircraft firefighting equipment, and expeditionary airfield systems and related products.
Point of Contact:
Naval Air Systems Command
PEO(T) Public Affairs Officer
47123 Buse Road, Bldg 2272, Rm 454
Patuxent River, MD 20670-1547
(301) 757-7171
For Aviation & Technical Support:
CONUS Toll-Free: 1-877-418-6824
OCONUS: DSN 510-428-6824
Option 1 (Aviation)
Option 2 (Maintenance/Technical)
NAVAIR Warfighter Response Center Help Desk
Program Manager