After a journey of approximately eight days, the new Fujian aircraft carrier (CV-18) of the People’s Liberation Army Navy of China successfully concluded its first sea trials and systems testing. The news was accompanied by the release of new photographs and videos of the new vessel while navigating, as well as its return to the Jiangnan shipyard facilities located in Shanghai.
State media and government-affiliated outlets in the People’s Republic of China have highlighted this new milestone for the Asian Giant’s naval industry, as the Fujian is the first aircraft carrier designed and manufactured entirely in China, unlike previous vessels which were based on the Russian/Soviet-origin Admiral Kuznetsov. Furthermore, in terms of strengthening the country’s military and strategic capabilities, the Fujian’s maiden voyage is a crucial first step towards achieving Initial Operational Capability.
Regarding the specifics of the aircraft carrier’s first voyage, it commenced on May 1st when the vessel departed from the Jiangnan shipyard. The Chinese Navy stated that the ship successfully completed a series of tests of its systems and subsystems, including propulsion and power generation systems. While no further details were provided, the presence of other navy ships during the trials was also observed, indicating the possible conduct of communication and encryption equipment tests, something essential in modern military operations.
However, considering that this was its maiden voyage, there were no tests conducted with aircraft on its flight deck or elevators. It is conceivable that more tests will be required in the future to declare its new electromagnetic catapults operational. This is significant, as the Fujian is equipped with an important Embarked Air Group composed of the most modern combat aircraft developed by China.
In the initial stage, it is expected to consist of the J-15B fighters (a version of the J-15 adapted to operate with CATOBAR-type launch and recovery systems); and in the future, with the new fifth-generation carrier-based fighters J-35, currently undergoing testing. Also noteworthy is the new airborne early warning and control aircraft KJ-600, also under development.
Weeks before the start of this maiden voyage, while preparing for this milestone, various mockups of the mentioned aircraft were observed on the Fujian’s flight deck, indicating testing to determine the future operation of these combat aircraft from the aircraft carrier. However, this was not the case during this inaugural voyage.
Looking ahead, it is expected that trials on the Fujian will continue in order to assess its capabilities and new functionalities, as well as to identify strengths and weaknesses in its design. This is relevant considering that China is embarked on the construction of more aircraft carriers which will draw from the design of the Type 003 incorporating improvements and changes. Specifically, in matters related to its propulsion systems, as the Chinese government maintains great secrecy over whether the fourth vessel of this class will be equipped with conventional or nuclear propulsion.
*Photographs: credits to respective owners.
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