From Fox News · Rebecca Grant · · 1m 30s
Four upgrades that will decide the carrier race with China
The Navy has proven tech to keep its edge, but White House hesitation on key systems could hand China an advantage.
In brief
The Navy has proven tech to keep its edge, but White House hesitation on key systems could hand China an advantage. America's carriers need four proven upgrades, drones, electromagnetic catapults, faster elevators, and a new fighter, to maintain their edge as China expands its fleet from three to nine carriers by…
Carriers prove their worth
USS Abraham Lincoln shot down 200 Iranian drones and defended against direct attacks. Iran tried to target the carrier but couldn't get close.
“Since we've gotten here, and during Operation Epic Fury, the Iranians were looking for opportunities to attack this ship.”
Drones join the air wing
The MQ-25 Stingray refueling drone will orbit 1,000 miles from the carrier. Smaller combat drones with weapons will follow.
Magnetic catapults work better
USS Gerald R Ford proved electromagnetic catapults with 12,200 launches. They recharge faster and generated 25% more sorties than steam in surge tests.
Trump wants steam back
A White House memo ordered the Navy to consider returning to steam catapults. Ripping out proven systems would delay shipyards and leave fewer carriers to fight China.
“I think there's overwhelming support in Congress and in the Pentagon for moving forward with EMALS.”
Advanced elevators move faster
New weapons elevators lift 24,000 lbs instead of 12,000 and move 50% faster. The Navy's new Malice missile weighs 1,500 lbs and needs the capacity.
A new stealth fighter waits
Boeing and Northrop Grumman have secret sixth-generation F/A-XX prototypes ready. The Pentagon is delaying while China has already flown two sixth-gen designs.
China's fleet is growing fast
China has three carriers today and will have nine by 2035. The U.S. fleet will stay at 11, narrowing America's advantage.
The key point
America's carriers need four proven upgrades, drones, electromagnetic catapults, faster elevators, and a new fighter, to maintain their edge as China expands its fleet from three to nine carriers by 2035.
