The USS Gerald R. Ford recently completed testing of vital combat systems while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, say the U.S. Navy.
The tests, conducted during Ford’s post-delivery test and trials (PDT&T) phase, are designed to stress the ship’s combat system capabilities and demonstrate the successful integration of new technologies, which the crew employs to defend the aircraft carrier.
Cmdr. Ron McCallister, Ford’s combat systems officer, said in a release:
“The tests exercise the combat systems suite as a complete unit and ensure maximum availability to meet combat and self-defense mission requirements,” said McCallister.
“In the end, the combat systems suite achieves maximum readiness and the Sailors develop more operational and technical competence.”
Ford’s first certification of integrated combat systems tested the Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon (ATCRB) and Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF).
“The tests, conducted over several days, evaluated the ATCRB’s ability to track air and surface contacts and to identify friendly and enemy aircraft using an advanced identification system. IFF is used not only for positive, secure, friend identification, but also to control aircraft.”
Gerald R. Ford is a first-in-class aircraft carrier and the first new aircraft carrier designed in more than 40 years. Ford is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.
