by Jeff Donlan

The U.S. just purchases their most expensive weapons system – ever. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier costs $12.9 billion without its aircraft. The ship is 1,092 feet long and can carry 75 combat aircraft. It uses an electromagnetic system to launch aircraft more gently than traditional steam launches. The Ford just embarked on its first sea trial off the coast of Virginia. Expected to launch 25% more flights a day than previous carriers, it should be ready for combat in 2021.

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