Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers of the U.S. Navy are essentially a marvel of naval technology, a new level of fighting power, and an extension of American influence all over the globe. The flagship is the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), a vessel that combines advanced technology with a powerful American icon, sending a strong message to the world that the U.S. intends to keep its hold on the seas in a more challenging geopolitical scenario.
A Name with Purpose
Though the name of the vessel is usually the first thing that comes to mind, the Gerald R. Ford class supercarrier certainly represents the characteristics of a great American president: the values of service, honesty, and perseverance were not only his trademark during his term but also his legacy to the entire country.
Revolutionary Design and Power
At its center is a new nuclear power system designed by Northrop Grumman. Two reactors and four shafts provide 150% more electrical power than the Nimitz-class, so the ship can accommodate advanced sensors, weapons, and future upgrades for decades.
Advanced Sensors and Combat Systems
The Ford-class has 23 new or improved systems over previous carriers. Its island is reduced in size, positioned further aft, and capped with a composite mast containing planar array radars. Among them, the most prominent is the dual-band radar, which combines X-band and S-band phased arrays to enhance situational awareness and coordination with coalition forces.
A New Era of Launch and Recovery
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) takes the place of steam catapults with an electromagnetic rail system that expels aircraft more accurately and with less stress on airframes.
This new technology enables the carrier to recover a broader array of both manned and unmanned aircraft. On the recovery front, the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) employs electromagnetic technology to bring planes to a safe stop efficiently, lessening stress on both the arrestor gear and the aircraft.
Liquid Oxygen and Automation Improvements
A next-generation liquid oxygen (LOX) plant—designed by RIX Industries in collaboration with Chart Industries/Qdrive—is another step in efficiency. Fueled by a Thermoacoustic Stirling Cryocooler and a militarized oxygen generator, it can generate LOX for aviation and medical purposes rapidly and independently, reducing crew effort and downtime.
Aircraft Capacity and Flight Deck Efficiency
Capable of handling up to 90 aircraft, the Ford-class can handle everything from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, EA-18G Growler, MH-60R/S helicopters, and future unmanned systems. A revamped flight deck allows for increased sortie rates—up to 160 per day, and 220 during surge operations—due to repositioned elevators, increased parking, and optimized weapons handling.
Smaller Crew, Smarter Design
While bigger than the Nimitz-class, the Ford has 500 to 900 fewer sailors. Automation, updated living spaces, sound control features, and improved recreational areas enhance the quality of life at sea. Energy-efficient equipment and predictive maintenance also reduce operating costs and environmental footprint.
Proving Itself at Sea
Since coming online in 2017, the USS Gerald R. Ford has conducted demanding trials and practical operations, including an eight-month deployment in the Mediterranean. Over that period, it operated with NATO partners, demonstrated its cutting-edge systems, and facilitated U.S. strategic interests in the region.
A Boost for U.S. Industry and Future Naval Strength
The Ford-class program has infused fresh energy into America’s shipbuilding sector, with investments flooding into-country facilities, training the workforce, and research on technologies. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro has prioritized strong public-private partnerships to maintain America’s maritime edge razor-sharp.
With the USS John F. Kennedy, USS Enterprise, and USS Doris Miller already under construction in different stages, the Ford-class will be the backbone of U.S. carrier strike groups for generations to come. They’re more than floating runways—symbols of American ingenuity, flexibility, and the continuing role of naval power in an increasingly dynamic world.