Euronaval 2024: France’s new aircraft carrier design with three catapults unveiled by Naval Group.

At Euronaval 2024 in Paris, Naval Group has revealed a pioneering design for France’s next-generation aircraft carrier. Among the standout features of this updated design is the integration of three electromagnetic catapults, an upgrade from the two originally envisioned.
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A model of the France's future aircraft carrier, PANG, at Euronaval 2024. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The move from steam to electromagnetic catapult technology represents a breakthrough in naval engineering. Rather than relying on high-pressure steam to launch aircraft, electromagnetic catapults use electric motors to create magnetic fields that propel aircraft from the deck. This approach allows for much finer control over launch speeds, offering smoother accelerations that minimize stress on aircraft structures. This gentler, adjustable launch method supports a broader range of aircraft, from heavily loaded fighter jets to lighter unmanned aerial systems, paving the way for a versatile fleet that can adapt to diverse mission profiles.

Electromagnetic catapults not only extend the lifespan of the aircraft they launch by reducing mechanical strain but also enable more rapid sortie generation. With three catapults, France’s future carrier can launch and recover multiple aircraft in quick succession, a capability crucial in both high-tempo combat scenarios and complex joint operations.

Integrating such a system also aligns with the future of French naval aviation, as the French Navy prepares to incorporate advanced aircraft like the New Generation Fighter (NGF) from the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. Electromagnetic catapults are perfectly suited to support these heavier, next-generation aircraft, maximizing their operational effectiveness. They also enable seamless integration of unmanned aerial systems, which are becoming an increasingly vital part of modern military strategy.

The technology behind electromagnetic catapults also provides practical benefits for the carrier’s design. By eliminating complex steam plumbing and the need for high-pressure boilers, the carrier gains weight savings and reduces its logistical footprint, streamlining both maintenance and operational costs.

France’s decision to invest in three electromagnetic catapults also carries strategic implications, positioning the French Navy alongside a select few global naval forces that have embraced this advanced technology. This choice demonstrates France’s commitment to maintaining an independent, capable, and adaptable naval presence, underscoring its ambitions to lead within NATO and the European defense community.