In a couple of years, the Chinese Navy may have a third aircraft carrier. Yesterday, on November 9, the CNN news agency reported that according to the analysis of satellite images taken by the Washington analytical center, the ship, known as Type 003, could be launched as early as early next year.
Satellite images of the Jiangnan shipyard in Shanghai, presented by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), show a promising aircraft carrier at the final stage of completion. If the pace of construction continues, then in 3-6 months the ship may come off the stocks.
Ship Type 003 in pictures from October 23, 2021
Image source: cnn.com
According to CSIS, the installation of the main external and internal components, including power plants and catapults, has already been completed or is at the completion stage. According to analysts, only a few additional elements, such as radars and weapons systems, remain to be installed before the ship can descend into the Yangtze River.
Ship Type 003 in pictures from September 18, 2021
Image source: cnn.com
When the Type 003 is ready, it will become China's third aircraft carrier and the second Chinese-made aircraft carrier. As noted in CSIS, unlike its "relatives" Liaoning and Shandong, the Type 003 will have a more advanced aircraft launch technology, similar to the catapult used by American aircraft carriers. At the same time, the aircraft carrier's power plant will be non-atomic, which will significantly reduce its autonomy.
