LSMs give naval elevators a lift

Linear synchronous motor technology from MagneMotion Inc., Acton, Mass., is being used on the U.S. Navy's new class aircraft carrier, the CVN 21. Four LSMs have been installed on an advanced weapons elevator on the carrier, offering a vertical lift capacity of 48,000 lb and reducing the limitations of traditional cable-run elevators.

MagneMotion teamed with Federal Equipment Co. and Northrop Grumman Newport News on the project. The elevator accelerates to full speed of 150 ft/min in just 1 sec. In addition, the four motors feature motor thermal protection, emergency braking, and a smart control system that estimates payload weight.