China’s latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, initiated its inaugural sea trials on Wednesday, as per reports from the state-run news agency Xinhua. Setting sail from a shipyard in Shanghai at 8 a.m. local time, these trials primarily aim to evaluate the carrier’s propulsion and electrical systems. While this marks a significant step forward, experts caution that the Fujian has yet to match the capabilities of United States aircraft carriers.
Named after the Chinese province, the Fujian signifies a notable technological advancement for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). It stands as China’s third aircraft carrier and notably the first to employ a catapult launch system akin to those utilized on US carriers, facilitating the launch of aircraft with heavier payloads and increased fuel capacity. Nonetheless, unlike US carriers, which are nuclear-powered and capable of prolonged sea operations, the Fujian relies on conventional power and will necessitate frequent refueling.
Experts have underscored several areas where the Fujian falls short compared to its US counterparts. John Bradford, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, remarked that while the Fujian signifies a significant milestone for China’s naval capabilities, it still trails in technological and operational standards compared to US aircraft carriers. The Fujian measures approximately 984 feet in length and 131 feet in width, smaller than the USS Gerald Ford Class carriers, which span 1,092 feet in length and 134 feet in width.
Moreover, the Fujian’s air wing capacity is also inferior, capable of accommodating around 60 aircraft, contrasted with approximately 75 aircraft on the largest US carriers. Additionally, the Fujian features three electromagnetic catapults, one less than the four aboard the USS Gerald Ford Class.
Despite these discrepancies, the debut of the Fujian underscores China’s maritime aspirations and its dedication to bolstering its naval capabilities. The carrier is anticipated to play a pivotal role in augmenting China’s capacity to project power well beyond its maritime borders, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
SOURCE:
https://www.businessinsider.com/china-new-aircraft-carrier-tested-falls-short-of-us-expert-2024-5
