Eddy Current Braking Technology for Aircraft Catapult Systems

The Navy uses steam powered catapults to launch aircraft from naval vessels. Currently, after the aircraft is launched, the massive catapult mechanism is slowed to a stop by a complex water braking system. This water braking system has many moving parts and experiences high stresses during operation, resulting in substantial maintenance and replacement costs. Permanent magnet, eddy current brakes (ECB), could provide the Navy with a safe, low cost catapult braking system, with no moving parts. ECB will substantially reduce maintenance time and cost, improve safety, and increase operational readiness. Permanent magnet, ECB technology is capable of stopping a large mass traveling at high speed. During Phase I, RMD and its collaborators at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Magnetar Corporation will develop innovative 2-D and 3-D models for a permanent magnet ECB that will fit within the physical and structural constraints defined by the existing catapult braking system, and have the power to stop the massive catapult from a speed of 200 mph. During Phase II, the model will be used to design a prototype ECB for testing with the Navy.