HII: Gerald R. Ford Gets Its 30-Ton Propellers

HII: Gerald R. Ford Gets Its 30-Ton Propellers

Huntington Ingalls Industries announced yesterday that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) has put on significant weight in the dry dock at its Newport News Shipbuilding division with the installation of four 30-ton bronze propellers.

At 21 feet in diameter, each propeller spins to push the aircraft carrier through the water.

Gerald R. Ford Gets Its 30-Ton Propellers Installation of the propellers culminates more than 10 months of focused work by numerous trades in support of installing the underwater shafting,” said Rolf Bartschi, NNS’ vice president, CVN 78 carrier construction.The configuration of the blades, the weight of the propellers and the extremely tight tolerances required make this a challenging installation. I commend the rigging and machinery installation mechanics for a job well done.”

Gerald R. Ford’s primary hull structure reached 100 percent structural completion in May, bringing more than three years of structural erection work to a close. Work continues on the ship, including the piping and electrical systems and the habitability areas such as the galley and mess spaces.

The ship’s christening is scheduled for Nov. 9.

Gerald R. Ford represents the next-generation class of aircraft carriers. The Ford class features a new nuclear power plant, a redesigned island, electromagnetic catapults, improved weapons movement, an enhanced flight deck capable of increased aircraft sortie rates, and growth margin for future technologies and reduced manning. Gerald R. Ford’s keel was laid Nov. 14, 2009, and the christening will occur in 2013 with delivery to the U.S. Navy in 2015.

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Press Release, October 4, 2013