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How Blast Deflectors Stop USS Abraham Lincoln Deck From Melting | WION Podcast

The video explains how the USS Abraham Lincoln’s Mark 7 jet‑blast deflectors safeguard its flight deck from the extreme heat generated by fighter‑jet afterburners. These panels tilt to a 50° angle just before launch, channeling super‑heated gases upward and away from the deck and nearby aircraft. Key engineering features include an internal seawater cooling loop that circulates thousands of liters through the metal panels, keeping temperatures below steel’s melting point. Hydraulic actuators lift the heavy panels within seconds, and a rugged non‑skid coating ensures traction even under intense thermal stress. Operating in the Arabian Sea under Operation Epic Fury, the carrier relies on these systems to maintain a continuous blockade of Iranian ports. The deflectors not only protect the steel structure but also create a safe zone for deck crews, shielding them from lethal jet blasts and noise. The technology highlights the critical role of active cooling and rapid‑deployment mechanisms in modern naval aviation, directly influencing combat readiness, crew safety, and the carrier’s ability to sustain high‑tempo flight operations.