Chinese Aircraft Carriers - Liaoning, Shandong, Fujian and the future

[johncliu88]

Apparently and I guess unsurprisingly, exhaust smokes from the Fujian was identified in late 2022 during the ship's trial of power generation systems. That was when the big shore-based steam generator was mated to the ship's powertrain. The steam generators have been packed up long ago, and this time we are nearly ready to go (hopefully, maybe...)!

View attachment 35859

Maybe the kitchen started to cook meals for the workers onboard? LOL!

 

[Deino]

Latest update on the PLANS-18 Fujian“ from today and in comparison to the images posted previously today, the mock-ups have been rearranged on deck as well as the huge LNG-tanker/carrier is no longer there.
What also impresses me

are the production halls that have been built there in the last few years!
In principle, the modules for any next aircraft carrier - be that either a 003.2 or 004 - could be almost finished and we simply wouldn't notice anything!

 

[guangdongt]

 

[johncliu88]

Another picture of Fujian with that LNG in front.

 

[Han Patriot]

Another picture of Fujian with that LNG in front.
View attachment 36231

This Yard is just accross the river from my office. But it is too far for me to get a clear peek. LOLOL

 

[Deino]

First sea trial …

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[guangdongt]

Happy! Celebrating this historic moment, conventional aircraft carriers that truly meet modern standards have finally set sail

 

[Beijingwalker]

Fujian sea trial today

 

[Beijingwalker]

 

[Peregrine]

What is the real reason why China didnt go for a nuclear powered Fujian?

 

[guangdongt]

What is the real reason why China didnt go for a nuclear powered Fujian?

Fujian already has many new projects and technologies, These all require time for repeated testing and improvement，Nuclear powered aircraft carriers can be the future choice, and China will not only build three aircraft carriers

 

[Flotilla]

IMHO the real revolution to come it is embarking UCAVs with IA assisted in Type 075 LHD. CV or CVN will always be more vulnerable in combat and are extremely demanding in resources and crew.
The path opened by the MQ25 Stingray must be envisioned and surpassed by further developments like STOBAR UCAVs.
I think US Navy have sacrified a lot of resources in their CVN fleet and PLAN should avoid that extremely expensive path.
Anyway Fujian seems great and very ambitious. Even EU Carriers didn't dare to install EMALS.
Bravo Zulú, PLAN!

 

[ENI]

Sea trials may be imminent, but for now the Fujian has not departed yet. The same account also have not seen evidence of a navigation warning that should accompany such an event.

 

[ENI]

What is the real reason why China didnt go for a nuclear powered Fujian?

A lot of new technology is being developed for the Fujian, many of which are at the cutting edge of naval aviation and new to China. This includes the electromagnetic catapult system, integrated power system, the J-35 fifth generation carrier-based fighter, the KJ-600 carrier AWAC etc. A nuclear carrier is also much more expensive than a conventional one. Putting everything together, there is a lot of risk with building a nuclear ship. With all these new technologies, it is best to start conservative and build in nuclear propulsion with future vessels.

This is to say nothing of factors like China's relative need for a nuclear-powered carrier given its strategic posture, and how perceptions of the risk environment and timing of future conflict would permit a nuclear ship to become combat ready in time, given it will take longer to build.

 

[Deino]

Best so far, but is she really out at sea?