China’s Third Aircraft Carrier Takes Leap Forward
CHINA’S third aircraft carrier–the Fujian took a massive leap forward by demonstrating its capabilities in the launch and recovery of next-generation naval aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Dubbed the Type 003, the Fujian is the first PLAN carrier that is equipped with electromagnetic catapult-assisted takeoff but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) system. It is the only non-United States Navy ship to be fitted with the electromagnetic catapult, with the USS Gerald R. Ford being the first to feature the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS).
The PLAN’s first two aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong are of a ski-jump short takeoff but assisted recovery (STOBAR) configuration with the 80,000-tonne Fujian being the first of an entirely different design, closer to the American style flattop.
In footage released by the PLAN and social media, the Fujian carried out deck operations, launching and recovering an array of indigenously developed aircraft, including the fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighter, J-15T heavy fighter and KJ-600 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. A feat described as “another breakthrough in the development of China’s aircraft carriers and a milestone in promoting the naval transformation and construction.”
A PLAN statement read, “In previous test and training missions, several naval pilots successfully took off from and landed on the Fujian with these three types of aircraft,verifying the excellent compatibility between China’s independently developed electromagnetic catapult and arresting system and multiple types of carrier-based aircraft. This has enabled the Fujian to acquire initial full-deck operation capability and laid a solid foundation for the subsequent integration of various types of carrier-based aircraft into the aircraft carrier formation system.”
Since entering sea trials in May of 2024, the Fujian has undergone a range of maritime tests to calibrate various equipment and the overall operational stability test. Estimated to be in its ninth sea trial, the Fujian is likely to be commissioned soon, allowing the PLAN to enter its three-carrier era while the fourth aircraft carrier continues to be developed.
The Fujian, together with two destroyers, the CNS Hangzhou and CNS Jinan sailed through the Taiwan Strait over a week earlier, reportedly heading towards the South China Sea for training and tests. Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) spotted the ships sailing several hundred kilometres from the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.–shp/adj/dl (Pix:CHINAMIL)