“Fujian” goes to sea, China starts testing a new aircraft carrier (video)
China launches its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, for sea trials.
This was reported by the Global Times.
In November, the aircraft carrier tested an electromagnetic catapult. This was an important stage of testing for any modern aircraft carrier, which is carried out before sea trials.
The electromagnetic catapult is a novelty in the PLA Navy. “The Fujian became the first Chinese aircraft carrier to receive it. Other aircraft carriers are the Liaoning (formerly the Varyag of Project 1143 Kretshet) and the national Shandong, which are equipped with a springboard.
The introduction of the catapult will make it possible to base heavy aircraft on the carrier, for example, airborne missile defense systems.
If the sea trials are successful, China’s newest aircraft carrier will be commissioned in 2025.
“Fujian”
“The Fujian (Type 003) is a non-nuclear-powered aircraft carrier whose construction began in March 2015.
Its exact parameters are not known; its estimated displacement is about 80 thousand tons, its approximate length is 313 meters, and its width is 74 meters.
The superstructure and two elevators of the carrier are located on the starboard side, as on the Shandong aircraft carrier, but the size of the elevators has increased.
Now each of the elevators can lift not one but two airplanes. The superstructure houses the flight control center, with a radar station and communications equipment.
The new aircraft carrier has a flat flight deck, and the springboard was abandoned. Three electromagnetic catapults were installed on the deck, which are about 105 meters long. Aircraft finishers are installed to ensure the landing of aircraft on the deck.
The assessment air group will consist of 40 fighters, airborne surveillance aircraft and helicopters.
Airborne radar aircraft for Fujian
The People’s Republic of China is actively testing a new KJ-600 long-range radar detection deck aircraft.
The published photos show the KJ-600 during a test flight, unlike earlier photos, the aircraft is painted in the colors of the People’s Liberation Army Navy. Analysts suggest that there are at least four prototypes as of today.
The KJ-600 is a new deck-mounted airborne combat aircraft developed and manufactured by Xi’an Aircraft Company. Visually, the aircraft resembles the American E-2 Hawkeye deck-mounted aircraft and the canceled Soviet Yak-44 project.
The exact technical characteristics of the KJ-600 are unknown, but GlobalSecurity analysts suggest that its operational range is 1,250 kilometers and its flight ceiling is 15 kilometers.
The characteristics of the radar remain secret. It is known that it is based on the KLC-7, the export version of which was shown in 2018.
