How does an aircraft carrier catapult work?

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In the most modern carriers fielded by the United States and China, the flight deck catapults and arresting gear use electromagnets. These systems are able to smoothly accelerate aircraft to takeoff speed in a short distance, while creating less stress on airframes when compared to older steam catapults. Electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS) can also be adjusted to aircraft of different weights, an important consideration for uncrewed aircraft.