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The next Gerald Ford Class supercarrier is to be named -
USS John F. Kennedy
restoring to the fleet a name retired when CVN-67 was retired in 2007 after 40 years of service.
The Ford Class has a hull design very similar to the existing Nimitz Class carriers, but many new technologies will be included, including stealth features, automation, the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and improved radars, missiles, arrestor systems, support. for the F-35C Lightning II fighter and more powerful reactors. The new reactors are key to supporting EMALS and, potentially, future electric weapons; directed energy, rail guns and high power microwave.
The new ships will also offer improved efficiency and reduced running costs, including a smaller crew.
Displacement: 101,600 tonnes
Length: 1,092 ft (333 m)
Beam: Flight deck: 252 ft (77 m)
Waterline: 134 ft (41 m)
Propulsion: 2 - A1B nuclear reactors
Speed: in excess of 30 kn (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Crew Complement: 4,660
Armament: Surface-to-air missiles & close-in weapon systems
Aircraft: 75+
USS John F. Kennedy
restoring to the fleet a name retired when CVN-67 was retired in 2007 after 40 years of service.
The Ford Class has a hull design very similar to the existing Nimitz Class carriers, but many new technologies will be included, including stealth features, automation, the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and improved radars, missiles, arrestor systems, support. for the F-35C Lightning II fighter and more powerful reactors. The new reactors are key to supporting EMALS and, potentially, future electric weapons; directed energy, rail guns and high power microwave.
The new ships will also offer improved efficiency and reduced running costs, including a smaller crew.
Displacement: 101,600 tonnes
Length: 1,092 ft (333 m)
Beam: Flight deck: 252 ft (77 m)
Waterline: 134 ft (41 m)
Propulsion: 2 - A1B nuclear reactors
Speed: in excess of 30 kn (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Crew Complement: 4,660
Armament: Surface-to-air missiles & close-in weapon systems
Aircraft: 75+