The testing is to ensure that the Advanced Arresting Gear can support the full USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) air wing
The Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system at the Runway Arrested Landing Site in Lakehurst, N.J. has started to recover the Grumman E-2 and C-2 series of carrier-borne aircraft.
The new round of AAG Performance Testing began on May 24. NAVAIR explains the testing is to ensure that the AAG can support the full USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) air wing.
This phase of AAG testing follows 310 arrestments conducted using dead-loads, weighted sleds representative of these aircraft, at the nearby Jet Car Track Site (JCTS). The testing, which is expected to be completed this summer, will include both roll-ins and fly-ins, and numerous test points to validate AAG’s ability to safely arrest the aircraft. At the conclusion of this phase of testing, the C-2A, E-2C and E-2D will be cleared to commence manned aircraft testing aboard CVN 78. The sequential land-based testing will be completed for all aircraft types – first at JCTS, then RALS, prior to landing aboard the carrier.
The software-controlled AAG is a modular, integrated system that consists of energy absorbers, power conditioning equipment and digital controls, with architecture that provides built-in test and diagnostics, resulting in lower maintenance and manpower requirements. AAG is designed to provide higher reliability and safety margins, as well as to allow for the arrestment of a greater range of aircraft and reduce the fatigue impact load to the aircraft.
Photo credit: U.S. Navy
