From Dante80 /SDF:
I'll be surprised if 003
doesn't have an EMALS. At least, almost all info and leaks we currently have (and have had during the last years) point to it.
I vaguely remember a specific leak - for example - from one of the people that were working on a
steam catapult system for the new carriers, saying that their work was verified, scheduled for integration to the next carrier and then
cancelled due to the carrier changing to an EMALS. IIRC, EMALS integration was also one of the main reasons for 003 coming much later into existence than it was originally expected or rumored.
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Few interesting things from the passage IMO:
• I haven't realized there's any info/discussion at PDF of "leak" on the steam catapult system being verified then cancelled due to switching to EMALS.
• And consequently this catapult issue has been causing delay to 003.
Otherwise this 3rd carrier should have come out earlier. I have the distant feeling of some delay on the 003 but my memory has faded out what's the possible cause. How time elapses…
• How many here still think that 003 will stick to the older system: steam catapult?
A poll querying this matter will be fascinating, incl the power system. We may never have chance again for this kind of query after the 003
A Poll of Civilization, not just a lifetime poll!!
Something like:
a) Steam catapult + Coventional power
b) Steam catapult + Nuclear power
c) EMALS + Coventional power
d) EMALS + Nuclear power
e) None of above
May we have a poll like this at PDF?
Established early then opened for a couple of weeks before things become obvious and pose no more fun to guess.