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Electrical systems on the Kennedy are extensive, requiring roughly 10.5 million feet of electrical and fiber optic cable, a significant portion of the over 14 million feet used on the earlier Gerald R. Ford class. This intricate wiring underscores the ship’s technological sophistication and the complexity of its internal systems.
Power and Propulsion: The Heart of the Carrier
Kennedy’s two A1B nuclear reactors mark a significant upgrade over previous classes, capable of generating up to 250 megawatts of electrical power—enough to power roughly 28,000 homes in the U.S. simultaneously. Additionally, the reactors provide 520 megawatts of mechanical power to propel the ship at speeds exceeding 30 knots, illustrating the immense power capacity of this floating city.