Trump's aircraft carrier redesign could cost billions

Former President Donald Trump is advocating for a significant redesign of U.S. aircraft carriers, seeking to emulate the aesthetics of World War II vessels. His primary focus is on replacing the current electromagnetic catapult systems with older steam-powered technology, which he deems more reliable.

Sources indicate that accommodating Trump's wishes could incur costs in the billions of dollars and lead to substantial delays in the production of the Ford-class carriers. The Pentagon has been directed to present a plan addressing these potential modifications within 60 days. This directive could further postpone the delivery of the fourth Ford-class ship, the USS Doris Miller, which is already two years behind schedule and now slated for 2034.

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Trump has for many years complained that the U.S. carriers of the Ford class have electromagnetic systems for catapulting aircraft from the deck into the air. He claims they are unreliable and would prefer to return to the older steam-powered systems.

Naval and industry leaders have expressed strong opposition to the proposed changes. They argue that altering the carriers' design, particularly relocating the "island" – the structure housing the bridge and flight control – from the center to the stern, would be exceptionally costly and complex. This move, driven by Trump's preference for a World War II look, would require extensive engineering calculations, including reassessing the ships' buoyancy.

Officials explain that the island was moved aft in earlier designs for improved safety and efficiency. This positioning allows more aircraft to be stationed near catapults and reduces turbulence during landings. The Ford class is planned to include ten carriers, with the first, USS Gerald R. Ford, entering service in 2017 after a 17-year construction period.

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The reason for moving the ships' islands aft has to do with both safety and efficiency, according to officials. More aircraft could be placed closer to the catapults, and the risk of turbulence during landing would decrease.