U.S. Navy secures long-term support for EMALS catapult system

The U.S. Navy awarded Kato Engineering a $49.3 million indefinite-delivery contract to sustain the Energy Storage Subsystem used by Ford-class carrier catapults. The agreement covers engineering support, repairs, and difficult-to-source parts through September 2031, with most work performed in Minnesota. Each carrier uses 12 motor-generator units to store and release the electrical energy required by the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System. No funds were obligated at award because task orders will be issued as needs arise; the contract supports fielded equipment and does not itself redesign EMALS or guarantee expenditure of the full ceiling.