Latest news with #KJ-600
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
China's Giant Land-Based Carrier Mockup Grows In Size, Now Resembles Ford Class
China's full-size, land-based aircraft carrier test facility, a key part of the country's path toward establishing a carrier fleet and associated air wings, is being modified once again, and this time in a massive way. The extensive reworking and expansion of the unique facility suggests that the aircraft carrier mockup is now intended to represent a layout similar to the U.S. Navy's Ford class. This likely coincides with the configuration of China's next, more advanced, homegrown carrier design. A satellite photo of the land-based aircraft carrier mockup in Wuhan, taken on April 6, shows the changes that have taken place, including a much greater overall flight-deck width, and the island superstructure redesigned and much moved further aft, as on the Ford class. So significant is the extra width, meanwhile, that the edges of the deck now extend out to or even over the adjacent road. The primary role of the aircraft carrier mockup is to evaluate different aircraft designs for potential use at sea, including how they will fit and be moved around on the carrier's deck. It should also be noted that the structure sits atop a building, something not immediately obvious from satellite imagery. On the deck in the latest image are mockups of various aircraft, although these are covered with tarpaulins or some other material, making it hard to identify them definitively. At least one of the mockups is a J-15 Flanker series carrier-based fighter, while another looks to be a J-35 carrier-based stealth fighter, and another a KJ-600 carrier-based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. Mockups of this kind are frequently used in carrier development work in China, both on land and at sea. So far the best and clearest images of the KJ-600 carrierborne AEW mock up ontop the carrier test facility in Wuhan.(Via LKJ86 / PDF) — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) April 12, 2019 In the past, an apparent mockup of China's stealthy GJ-11 Sharp Sword unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has also appeared aboard the land-based carrier mockup, as you can read about here. Via ACuriousPLAFan/SDF: Supposedly not a recent image, but still the carrier mock-up and test facility at Wuhan has gained some new aircraft: Visible now are clearly mock-ups of J-15, J-35, KJ-600 and a GJ-11H on the flight deck.(Image via @伏尔戈星图 from Weibo) — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) December 19, 2023 Work with radio emissions and other testing is also done at the facility. When it first appeared, the full-size aircraft carrier mockup broadly replicated the design of the Type 001 and Type 002 carriers. The Type 001 Liaoning (CV-16), the first vessel of this type to be operated by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), was acquired from Ukraine as an incomplete Soviet Kuznetsov class ship, the Varyag. The next PLAN carrier to enter service, the Type 002 Shandong (CV-17), was built in China but was still modeled closely on the Type 001. Subsequently, Wuhan's aircraft carrier mock-up was modified to better resemble China's next carrier, the Type 003 Fujian (CV-18). This introduced a different configuration, with no bow takeoff ramp. Instead, the Type 003 marks the PLAN's switch to catapult-assisted takeoff but arrested recovery, or CATOBAR, operations. Now, it seems, the facility is being prepared for tests of China's next-generation aircraft carrier, generally referred to as the Type 004. At the same time, the remodeling should also provide a better representation of the Fujian, a vessel that is still undergoing pre-service trials. In fact, the new Type 004 carrier may well already be under construction. In February of this year, TWZ reported on how construction work at a shipyard in Dalian, seen in satellite imagery dating back to May 2024, revealed a module consistent with an aircraft carrier — or otherwise related to the testing of such a vessel. Based on this module, it appears likely that the Type 004 will be loosely modeled after the Ford class, at least in terms of having two waist catapults, in addition to the two bow catapults. This will provide an extra catapult compared with the Fujian, which has a single catapult in the waist position. In the past, a Ford-style design also appeared in concept art from the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai. The carrier shown in that artwork had some broad external similarities with the Ford, as well as with France's future New Generation Aircraft Carrier. However, not too much should be read into this, especially since it appears that the Type 004 might now be under construction in Dalian, rather than in Shanghai. Still, the appearance of a superstructure far to the rear on the Wuhan mockup is indicative that this design element could appear on the Type 004. Whatever the final configuration of the Type 004 — and, at this early stage, we really don't know for sure — previous suggestions hinted that the new carrier could enter service sometime in the late 2020s. The Type 004 is expected to be a more advanced design than its predecessors, including the Fujian, the country's first truly domestically designed and produced carrier, which is still preparing for operational service. Like the Fujian, the Type 004 will be equipped to launch aircraft via catapults. This is in contrast to the PLAN's two previous carriers — the Shandong and the Liaoning, which are both short takeoff but arrested recovery, or STOBAR, types with prominent 'ski jump' takeoff ramps. As we have discussed in the past, catapults offer many advantages over STOBAR, especially when it comes to launching aircraft at higher gross weights, which translates to larger fuel and ordnance loads. They can also generally accommodate a wider array of aircraft types, too. This includes larger and slower designs, like the KJ-600 AEW&C aircraft, as well as smaller ones, such as drones. It's assumed that the Type 004 will use an advanced electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), provided it proves to be successful on the Fujian. Otherwise, this type of equipment is currently only in use with the U.S. Navy. Other new developments for the Type 004 will address its air wing, which is expected to host various drones, such as navalized versions of the GJ-11 Sharp Sword UCAV. These will be in addition to the aforementioned KJ-600, various different advanced versions of the J-15, and the J-35, plus helicopters. Less clear is what type of propulsion the Type 004 will use, although there have been repeated reports that it will be a nuclear-powered vessel. This would be a first for a PLAN carrier and would guarantee an effectively unlimited range, as well as help meet the power-generation demands of ever-improving sensors and other mission systems. In its most recent assessment of Chinese military power, the Pentagon doesn't explicitly mention the Type 004, but does state that the PLAN is 'in the beginning stages of operating its multi-carrier force.' It also notes that the Fujian is just the first warship within a 'next generation of carriers' that will be characterized by 'greater endurance and an electromagnetic catapult launch system, making them capable of launching various types of specialized fixed-wing aircraft for missions, such as airborne early warning and electronic warfare. This will increase the striking power of a potential PLAN carrier battle group when deployed to areas beyond the PRC's immediate periphery.' At this point, we cannot be certain that the module seen under construction at Dalian is indeed made to resemble the Type 004, although it seems likely. However, this development, as well as the changes to the land-based aircraft carrier mockup in Wuhan, certainly point to activities related to China's next domestically produced carrier design are accelerating. Contact the author: thomas@
Express Tribune
19-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Shifting power projection in the Asia-Pacific?
Listen to article On June 17, 2022, China commissioned its third aircraft carrier, Fujian, named after the southeastern coastal province near Taiwan. The carrier began sea trials in May last year, marking another milestone for President Xi Jinping's plan for Chinese naval modernisation and power projection capabilities, where the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) plans to deploy six aircraft carriers by 2035. The Chinese maritime industry has come a long way in the construction of aircraft carriers, from the import of a Soviet aircraft carrier ('Varyag' latter 'Liaoning') to the construction of its first indigenously built carrier, Shandong, commissioned in 2019. The Fujian (Type 003) aircraft carrier symbolises China's pursuit of strategic autonomy enhancing its capability to compete with major powers in the Asia-Pacific region. The Fujian (Type 003) aircraft carrier has a single pyramid island design, resembling US carriers. With a length of 315 metres and an estimated displacement of 80,000 tonnes, it ranks as the third-largest aircraft carrier in the world. Its smooth hull design reduces radar cross-section, while the surface is embedded with integrated panels functioning as Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars and sensors for enhanced situational awareness. For defence, Fujian is equipped with four Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) and a missile defence system capable of intercepting incoming projectiles, improving its survivability in combat scenarios. Being a super carrier, Fujian has a large capacity to carry about 50 to 60 aircraft, including J-15 and KJ-600, though some sources claim that China may operate J-35 stealth aircraft. The aircraft carrier has a propulsion system that is powered by diesel, which also powers the three catapults for launching the aircraft, two airlifts for transporting planes from the hangar, and four recovery lines to assist in landing aircraft. The Fujian distinguishes itself from previous Chinese aircraft carriers by replacing the Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system with a Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) system, powered by an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). This advancement provides China with a significant operational advantage, as CATOBAR enables the launch of heavier aircraft, such as the KJ-600 early warning aircraft and the stealth J-35 fighter jet. Plus, the electromagnetic launch system offers variable launch speeds, allowing the deployment of lightweight Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) without the risk of airframe damage, a limitation commonly associated with steam-powered launch systems. The Fujian aircraft carrier marks a significant leap in China's power projection capabilities, positioning it to advance its strategic ambitions in the Asia-Pacific. The first being to provide air support for sustaining forces in areas such as Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands. The second to deny or delay US military access to East Asian waters, granting China greater operational flexibility in the region. The third to secure economic interests, particularly Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), as China considers maritime power integral to its economic growth. To help realise these objectives, China must contest the absolute military technology edge that the US Navy has, as historically the US has used its air projection capability for coercive diplomacy. This drive for dominance is why China has moved away from the outdated ski-jump launch system, upgrading the Fujian with a modern catapult launch system. This transformation isn't just about keeping up with naval advancements – it is about enabling long-range maritime strike capabilities, a game-changer in the region's power balance. With this upgrade, China is no longer just defending its waters; it is asserting itself as a formidable naval force capable of projecting power far beyond its shores, reshaping the strategic landscape of the Asia-Pacific. Power projection is central to China's naval strategy of 'Near Seas Defense' and 'Far Seas Protection', outlined in 2015. 'Near Seas Defense' focuses on PLAN's ability to operate within the first island chain, which includes Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands—waters China considers part of its sovereignty. To enforce its claims, China relies on coastal air bases in Guangzhou, Nanjing, and Jinan for naval air operations. However, the limited range of these air bases necessitates the use of aircraft carriers for 'Far Seas Protection', covering waters beyond the first island chain. China aims to secure its SLOCs and overseas interests by controlling strategic passages through its surface fleet and carriers. These carriers allow China to challenge hostile air forces, protect its naval assets, and conduct strategic strikes, ensuring greater operational freedom across the Northwest Pacific and Indian Ocean. The Chinese Fujian aircraft carrier gives China the strategic freedom and ability to contest the dominance of hostile airspace, which can alter the security equation of the region. Whether this new emerging maritime power can upset the status quo of the Asian Pacific region, is a question that remains to be seen. Syed Ahmed Ali is a Research Assistant at the Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), in Islamabad, Pakistan. He can be reached at
South China Morning Post
05-02-2025
- South China Morning Post
China trains ‘special mission' pilots for combat readiness on Fujian carrier: CCTV
China's military has accelerated pilot training for the Fujian aircraft carrier , believed to be for operating KJ-600 early warning aircraft, according to state media. Advertisement According to a video released by state broadcaster CCTV on Wednesday, the Naval Aviation University of the People's Liberation Army has been using land-based aircraft to train pilots for a new type of carrier-based 'special mission' aircraft, which has not yet entered into service. The training was intended to ensure pilot preparation kept up with equipment deployment, with the aim of accelerating combat readiness, said a post on the CCTV military channel's Weibo account. 02:17 China airs footage of Fujian aircraft carrier featuring advanced catapult launch system China airs footage of Fujian aircraft carrier featuring advanced catapult launch system 'The 18 aircraft carrier is soon to be commissioned,' the university's Lin Chunliang told CCTV, referring to the hull number of China's third aircraft carrier , the Fujian. 'We hope to play a key and prominent role in the pilot training, especially in the development of carrier-based aircraft pilots,' Lin said. The Fujian, the country's most advanced carrier, finished its sixth sea trial in early January after its launch in June 2022. Advertisement Its cutting-edge electromagnetic catapult system allows for the launch of heavier and more advanced aircraft, such as the airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft KJ-600, and supports more frequent and rapid sorties. It is expected the Fujian will also carry catapult capable J-15T fighter jets, the fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighter.
South China Morning Post
05-02-2025
- South China Morning Post
China trains ‘special mission' pilots for Fujian aircraft carrier: CCTV
Published: 9:00pm, 5 Feb 2025 China's military has accelerated pilot training for the Fujian aircraft carrier , believed to be for operating KJ-600 early warning aircraft, according to state media. According to a video released by state broadcaster CCTV on Wednesday, the Naval Aviation University of the People's Liberation Army has been using land-based aircraft to train pilots for a new type of carrier-based 'special mission' aircraft, which has not yet entered into service. The training was intended to ensure pilot preparation kept up with equipment deployment, with the aim of accelerating combat readiness, said a post on the CCTV military channel's Weibo account. 02:17 China airs footage of Fujian aircraft carrier featuring advanced catapult launch system China airs footage of Fujian aircraft carrier featuring advanced catapult launch system 'The 18 aircraft carrier is soon to be commissioned,' the university's Lin Chunliang told CCTV, referring to the hull number of China's third aircraft carrier , the Fujian. 'We hope to play a key and prominent role in the pilot training, especially in the development of carrier-based aircraft pilots,' Lin said. The Fujian, the country's most advanced carrier, finished its sixth sea trial in early January after its launch in June 2022. Its cutting-edge electromagnetic catapult system allows for the launch of heavier and more advanced aircraft, such as the airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft KJ-600, and supports more frequent and rapid sorties. It is expected the Fujian will also carry catapult capable J-15T fighter jets, the fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighter.
