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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
China Teases First Catapult Launches From Its New Carrier Fujian
Signs are growing that China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is close to demonstrating its ability to launch and recover aircraft from its first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, if it has not done so already. Fujian completed an eighth round of sea trials, which were said to have been particularly intensive, back in May. Chinese state media outlets have released previously unseen, but also undated videos and pictures showing flight operations aboard Fujian this week in the lead up to today's marking of the 98th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. Fujian has been conducting sea trials since May 2024 and is reportedly expected to enter operational service by the end of this year. First-ever official footage of flight operations aboard China's newest, soon-to-be commissioned aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian (18)On the eve of the PLA's 98th anniversary, PRC media released video showcasing another major milestone: integration tests between the electromagnetic… — Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) July 31, 2025 Chinese authorities have yet to show aircraft launching from or recovering aboard Fujian, but the newly released imagery notably includes a view of a Shenyang J-15T single-seat carrier-based fighter at least in position for a catapult launch with its afterburners engaged. Another clip shows the shadow being cast on Fujian's deck from a J-15-series fighter flying low over or at least very near the ship. There are no clear indications, one or the other, that the jet in question took off from and/or landed on Fujian. The J-15 family is derived from the Soviet-era Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker, with the T version being specifically developed for catapult launch. Earlier variants of the J-15, as well as the Su-33, were designed for use on short takeoff, but assisted recovery (STOBAR) carriers with ski jumps rather than catapults. The recently released official imagery also includes a look at members of Fujian's crew conducting a so-called Foreign Object Debris (FOD) walk. This is a routine proactive safety measure taken on carriers and land airfields to check for potentially small, but serious hazards ahead of flight operations. A Harbin Z-9 helicopter, a license-produced variant of the Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) AS365 Dauphin, is also seen in one of the video clips that have been released. Z-9s are also part of the air wings found on China's STOBAR carriers, including for use as plane guards while fixed-wing aircraft are launching and recovering. It's also worth noting here that it's unclear whether the PLAN could have launched a J-15T from Fujian's deck without the help of the ship's catapults, possibly by using a jet with a light fuel load and/or that is otherwise stripped down, and a long takeoff run. In such a scenario, the aircraft would also have to be craned off afterward. Still, it seems more likely that Fujian is now launching and recovering fixed-wing aircraft, or at least is getting very close to doing so, as part of its ongoing trials. Basic function testing of the carrier's electromagnetically-powered catapults first began in 2023 while the ship was still being fitted out. Chinese state media has also released other imagery in the past showing members of the carrier's crew at least going through the motions of a catapult launch. Un passager d'un vol commercial survolant près du chantier naval Changxing Jiangnan à Shanghai, où le troisième porte-avions chinois est actuellement en construction, a pu filmer ce qui semble être un test de catapultage dans le bassin. — East Pendulum (@HenriKenhmann) November 26, 2023 As China's first CATOBAR carrier, Fujian has been a source of great interest, in general, for years now. With Fujian, the PLAN is also notably going straight to electromagnetic catapults without ever operating a carrier that uses steam-powered ones. The U.S. Navy's supercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford was the first carrier ever to get an aircraft into the air using what is also referred to as an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS). France and India are also now moving to field EMALS-equipped carriers, and the United Kingdom may also follow suit. Electromagnetic catapults offer the advantage of being able to be more finely tuned to very different aircraft types, particularly ones at the smaller and lighter end of the spectrum. EMALS, which are also less complicated mechanically than their predecessors, offer lower reset times that can help increase sortie generation rate. At the same time, the electromagnetic catapults on USS Gerald R. Ford did prove to be temperamental new technology, causing issues for years before the U.S. Navy said it was able to mitigate them. The overall capabilities that EMALS offer are particularly relevant for launching uncrewed platforms. The PLAN is actively pursuing advanced uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) and other types of drones that can be launched from carriers and big deck amphibious warfare ships. Fujian's full air wing is set to also include new J-35 naval stealth fighters and KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft. Oh man, what a start to the day! I think this is actually the very best photo of a naval J-35 published so far and here quite clearly the prototypes 3501 (with Pitot) & 3506.(Image via @齐天的孙猴子 from Weibo) — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) June 19, 2025 A great KJ-600 image for the morning … — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) June 20, 2025 Imagery of a new jet trainer, which looks to be based on the existing JL-10 and could be designed with carrier training in mind, has also emerged today. Conducting routine CATOBAR operations from Fujian will also require the PLAN to set up a steady pipeline for naval aviators qualified to do so. Here a better one via Huitong's CMA-Blog@HarpiaP — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) August 1, 2025 More broadly speaking, Fujian reflects a major modernization push by the PLAN dating back to the 1990s, with particular emphasis on supporting higher-end region missions, such as intervention against Taiwan, as well as longer-range blue water operations in the Pacific and beyond. China is reportedly already working on a new CATOBAR carrier, commonly referred to as the Type 004, which may also be nuclear-powered. Renderings that have emerged in the past related to that design show distinct similarities to the U.S. Navy's Ford class and France's future New Generation Aircraft Carrier, both of which are nuclear-powered. PLAN modernization has not been limited to carriers, but also includes a still-growing array of new and ever-more advanced surface combatants, amphibious warfare ships, and more. China has been particularly prolific when it comes to the relatively rapid expansion of its amphibious fleets. This includes a super-sized big deck amphibious assault ship named Sichuan, also referred to as the Type 076, which is unlike any other such vessel in service anywhere else in the world. It notably has its own single electromagnetic catapult along one side of the forward end of the flight deck. Sichuan has also been a major feature in media related to the 98th anniversary of the PLA's founding. Soldiers Chorus Navy Band Performance • Saluting & Celebrating PLA 98 Years of Founding Anniversary | Type 076 'Sichuan' 51 — David Wang (@Nickatgreat1220) August 1, 2025 Some new shots of Type 076 LHA 51 Sichuan, courtesy of a PLA media event (no relation to fitting out/trials). CODAG propulsion visible via funnels. EMALS shelter remains in place. Via "ACuriousPLAFan"/"by78"/SDF. — Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) August 1, 2025 Chinese state media this week has also highlighted an example of the Type 075 amphibious assault ship, as well as shown imagery of a significant portion of all of the PLAN's major amphibious warships sailing in formation together. The PLAN's amphibious capabilities are also growing further now with new jack-up barges that can be linked together to help get ground forces ashore, as you can read more about here. #PLAN The newest Type-075 LHD (34) is now called 'Hubei'. Today is August 1st, 八一, the PLA's 98th Anniversary – Expect many announcements (or reveals) — Iron Lady (@nuwangzi) August 1, 2025 Four Type 071 LPD and two Type 075 LHD on a joint cruise. Coincidentally or not exactly half of each types overall numbers active in the PLAN fleet. Via "by78"/SDF. — Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) August 1, 2025 1/x New lengthy & detailed footage (2nd & 3rd videos) of the Chinese Shuiqiao-type landing barges (self-propelled amphibious landing platform utility vessels) during some trials with civilian cars(via wb/齐天的孙猴子) — Jesus Roman (@jesusfroman) June 15, 2025 This year's anniversary of the PLA's founding comes amid new geopolitical friction with the United States, especially over tariffs and other trade issues. In addition, there continues to be ominous warnings about PLA efforts to at least get to a place where it would be confident of succeeding in an armed intervention against Taiwan, potentially as soon as 2027. 'The [Taiwanese] population need[s] to not be naive like in the past,' Wu Chihchung, Taiwan's deputy foreign minister, said in an interview with Sky News in the United Kingdom that was broadcast today. 'China is preparing to invade Taiwan.' If nothing else, there are growing signs that China's first catapult-equipped carrier Fujian is getting ever closer to entering operational service. Contact the author: joe@ Solve the daily Crossword
South Wales Argus
01-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Tata Steel awards contract for Port Talbot site work
Tata Steel has awarded the contract to Systems Group, a Maesteg-based engineering specialist, to refurbish its two continuous casters as part of its plan to transition to greener steel production. Ian Ellis, engineering project manager at Tata Steel and lead on the caster life-extension, said: "This is a hugely important project for Port Talbot and for Tata Steel's future in the UK. "The casters are where liquid steel – produced at more than 1,600 degrees Celsius – is solidified into slabs, ready for further processing." The continuous casters are essential to the steelmaking process, turning liquid steel from the planned Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) into solid slabs. The refurbishment is a key part of Tata Steel UK's £1.25 billion investment to reduce carbon emissions and move towards more sustainable steel production. The new EAF, expected to be operational by the end of 2027, is projected to cut carbon emissions at Port Talbot by around 90 per cent, equivalent to five million tonnes of CO2 per year. The refurbishment will allow Tata Steel to upgrade existing infrastructure instead of building new facilities, which the company says will save both time and money. Tata Steel plans to award further contracts in the coming months for electrical, mechanical, and process control system upgrades. Ryan O'Neill, managing director at Systems Group, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this important contract by Tata Steel. "As a local company, we are proud to play a role in helping secure the future of steelmaking in South Wales. "This project not only supports the region's economy but also helps deliver cutting-edge, low-carbon steel production." The first phase of the project will replace more than 1.5 miles of pipework and two large water tanks.
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Business Standard
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Tata Steel awards major upgrade project to local firm Systems Group
Tata Steel has awarded a major contract to Welsh engineering firm Systems Group for the first phase of the refurbishment of its two continuous casters in Port Talbot, South Wales in the UK, a statement said on Tuesday. Systems Group, based in Maesteg, will carry out critical structural work and pipework replacement on Port Talbot's two continuous casters an essential part of the steelmaking process, turning liquid steel from the Electric Arc Furnace into solid steel slabs. The scheme is a key part of Tata Steel UK's GBP 1.25 billion transition to greener steelmaking. The life-extension of the continuous casters will support the journey to sustainable low CO2 steelmaking as the business prepares for the commissioning of a new electric arc furnace (EAF) by the end of 2027. Once operational, the EAF is expected to reduce Port Talbot's carbon emissions by approximately 90 per cent, equivalent to 5 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Ryan O'Neill, Managing Director at Systems Group, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this important contract by Tata Steel. As a local company, we are proud to play a role in helping secure the future of steelmaking in South Wales. This project not only supports the region's economy but also helps deliver cutting-edge, low-carbon steel production, the official said. Ian Ellis, Engineering Project Manager at Tata Steel and lead on the caster life-extension, said: This is a hugely important project for Port Talbot and for Tata Steel's future in the UK ... This work will ensure our existing casters are in the very best condition to handle steel from our new electric arc furnace in the volumes and qualities demanded by our customers." Following the appointment of Systems Group, Tata Steel expects to award further contracts in the coming months for additional electrical, mechanical and process control system upgrades.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bears, bunting, and Bible stories: Ballinamallard's unique teddy bear festival
The quiet village of Ballinamallard was bustling today (Friday) with excited visitors attending the much-anticipated Teddy Bear Festival. Inside Magheracross Parish Church, colourful bunting adorned the walls, and beside each church pew stood an exhibit, a Bible story brought to life through teddy bears. Paws for thought: Bears bring bible to life in Ballinamallard From bears studying the Bible to reenacting the Christmas story, communities across Fermanagh have united to create this remarkable festival, featuring almost 400 bears. The festival includes 28 installations, one of which is displayed in Ballinamallard's Archdale Hall: The Teddy Bear's Picnic, created by the Ballinamallard Craft Class. At the Archdale Hall, tea served on delicate tea sets and cakes accompanied by pasties will be available for festival attendees. One of the displays features a large bear donated by the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Rev. Dr Ian Ellis, covered in an array of bear-themed ties provided by hotelier Joe Mahon. The Teddy Bear Festival was organised by Valerie McMorris and her husband, Howard McMorris, and Rev. Lorraine Capper. With the support of people and organisations across the Fermanagh community. The festival was officially opened by the Right Rev. Dr Ian Ellis, accompanied by a performance from the Ballinamallard Primary School choir and a live piano recital by Ruth Coulter. Leading the choir was Principal Christina McEldowney. The children sang Teddy Bears' Picnic, The Bare Necessities, and Seek Ye First with a spiritual twist, enhancing the atmosphere of the event. The festival will be open from Friday through Sunday, featuring many musical performances throughout the weekend, including the Silvertones Male Voice Choir, who will close the festival on Sunday at 5 pm. For more information on the teddy bear festival, visit the Magheracross Parish Church Facebook page:
