China has launched its most advanced and expensive aircraft carrier to date.
The £5.4bn Fujian is an 80,000 tonne supership capable of carrying around 60 aircraft. Spanning more than 300 meters, Fujian cements China’s position as the world’s second-largest aircraft carrier fleet.
Chinese President Xi Jinping oversaw the launch of the aircraft carrier, marking a significant leap in Beijing’s bid to gain power far beyond its shores.
The aircraft carrier has been built domestically and is equipped with advanced electromagnetic catapults. The ship represents China’s ambition to operate a truly blue-water navy, capable of global reach and influence.
With its catapult launch system, the aircraft carrier is capable of launching heavy, fully loaded fighter aircraft, including an early warning and control aircraft.
This allows the carrier to operate against distant targets while offshore, as it does not rely on ground-based reconnaissance aircraft to detect threats.
Fujian is also capable of carrying more weapons and fuel, strengthening its range and firepower.
Previous Chinese aircraft carriers, Shandong and Liaoning, had an upward-sloping ski jump deck that could only carry lighter loads and launch fighter jets with fewer weapons.
Another important feature of Fujian is its electromagnetic catapult system, which makes it the second aircraft carrier in the world with such technology.
Previously, the USS Gerald R. Ford of the United States had such an advanced system.
Traditionally, carriers use steam systems instead of electromagnets. Steam catapults put more pressure on both the plane and the ship, require more maintenance, and take up more space.
