By Gary Ell, Marketing Creative Director

July 23— Aston PA—Captain Randy Mahr, Program Manager for the United States Navy PMA-251 program toured the ESCO-ZA facility and talked about developments in both the U.S. Navy Advanced Arresting Gear program and the EMALS program that he oversees for the U.S. Navy at NAVAIR.
 
The Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) Program is being developed as a system level replacement for the present Mk 7 Shipboard Arresting Gear System. The AAG is intended for back-fit into CVN-68 class carriers and forward fit on CVNX class carriers. The AAG will provide new operational capabilities, including the ability to safely and efficiently recover both heavier/faster aircraft and lightweight unmanned air vehicles (goal) that will enter the Fleet in the coming years. As a subcontractor to General Atomics- ESCO-ZAs involvement in the program includes the Water Twister technology and Mechanical Brake Systems. The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) will replace the existing steam catapults on current and future aircraft carriers. The steam catapults are large, cumbersome, and operate without feedback control. They impart large transient loads to the airframe and are difficult to maintain. The steam catapult is also approaching its operational limit with the present fleet of naval aircraft. The trend towards heavier, faster aircraft will soon result in launch energy requirements that exceed the capability of the steam catapult. An electromagnetic launch system offers higher launch energy capability, as well as substantial improvements in weight, volume, and maintenance; and increased controllability, availability, reliability, and efficiency. 
 
Capt  Randy Mahr Bio:

Randy Mahr was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey and graduated from East Brunswick (NJ)High School. A 1983 graduate of the Naval Academy he was designated a Naval Flight Officer in October 1984.Following training in the A-6E "Intruder" with V A-128 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA., he was designated a Bombardier/Navigator and was assigned to the VA-95 «Green Lizards". His next assignment was to the Medium Attack Weapons School, Pacific, as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor, responsible for advanced training and evaluation of Pacific Fleet A-6E and EA-6B aircrews. He then volunteered for overseas duty with the V A-1 15 "Eagles" on board USS Midway (CV 41), forward deployed to Atsugi, Japan. In 1992 he reported as the Assistant Deputy Program Manager for Test and Evaluation of the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) responsible for Navy and Air Force testing on the FIA- 18 and F-16 aircraft. He was accepted as an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer in 1994, and was assigned to the Naval Air Systems Command as the Class Desk Officer for JSOW where he oversaw operational test and fleet deployment of the weapon system. He attended the Naval Postgraduate School graduating "with distinction" receiving a Masters of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering (Avionics). His next assignment was at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB as the Deputy Program Director for a joint Navy –Air Force research program. On his next tour Captain Mahr became the first naval officer to serve as the Vice Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology. In April 2008 he was named Program Manager (PMA-25 I) for the Navy's Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment programs. Captain Mahr has received several individual decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross with combat distinguishing device, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards. CAPT Mahr was recognized with the 2008 Aviation Week Magazine Laureate Award in the Military category for his leadership of the E-2D program. 1n 2004 he reported to Program Executive Officer, Tactical Aircraft Programs, as the Chief of Staff. In May 2005 he became Program Manager (PMA-23 I) for the Navy's E-2 "Hawkeye" and C-2 "Greyhound" programs. In April 2008 he was named Program Manager (PMA-25 I) for the Navy's Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment programs. Captain Mahr has received several individual decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross with combat distinguishing device, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards. CAPT Mahr was recognized with the 2008 Aviation Week Magazine Laureate Award in the Military category for his leadership of the E-2D program.

About Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation

For more than 50 years, Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation, the cornerstone of Zodiac Aerospace’s Emergency Arresting Systems Divisions (EASD), has harnessed mechanical energy to provide customized arrestment and containment solutions for aircraft and transport vehicles. To learn more visit, www.esco.zodiac.com