China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, could be commissioned and operational later this year. First launched in 2022, the 80,000-metric-ton ship began sea trials in 2024, and is currently undergoing its seventh sea trial sortie. According to an article in the China/Military section of the myNews website, observations that the ship did not have large aircraft on the flat deck when it departed suggest that this trial might include fixed-wing jet fighter tests of its electromagnetic catapult technology and arresting cables.
Hardly modern - this flattop is powered by diesel, not nuclear! When was the last non-nuclear carrier made in the US? Where are the greenies now, you’d think they would be complaining about the environmental impact of a diesel-powered Chicom carrier? Its fleet of aircraft are knockoffs of older Soviet and American aircraft, and its electromagnetic cat was probably based on secrets they stole from the US, which pioneered these cats decades ago. Communist China has very major internal problems and will face increased problems selling its stuff overseas, see the recent announcement by Taiwan they are shifting electronics production from China to the US.
Kent do not discount this system. EM launching is bleeding edge technology. As for the steam turbine powerplant ( which can burn diesel but is NOT diesel) can provide one fantastic amount of power. Close to nuclear! This is actually a smart move as the PLN is developing a nuclear power system for its next generation. By going steam they get the power NOW on technology they know well and is very reliable, and can remove the boiler and replace w a nuclear reactor in the future.
The limiting issue is range and that is really not a big deal w the use of tenders. Esp when for the most part Chinas NOT at this time developing a long distance power projection philosophy.
Though that may change