Image source: topwar.ru
PLA Fujian Aircraft Carrier
China is building a new Type 004 aircraft carrier. It will become the fourth and largest ship of this class in the PLA fleet, and possibly in the world.
Thanks to satellite tracking, a section of the future pennant was discovered at the Dalian shipyard, which is expected to be installed in the bow of the ship. Her analysis allowed us to draw a number of conclusions about the appearance of a promising ship.
Based on the size of the section, Western observers believe that the new aircraft carrier may well be equipped with a nuclear power plant, will receive two electromagnetic CATOBAR-type catapults (takeoff thanks to a catapult and landing using an aerial finisher) and will carry from 70 to 100 aircraft, including fighters (J-15T, J-35 and possibly the promising J-50), AWACS aircraft (KJ-600), PLO helicopters (Z-18F, Z-20F or newer Z-20J) and UAVs (such as analogues of the American MQ-25 Stingray).
Image source: topwar.ru
Section Type 004
- it is said in the Western press.
As indicated, the displacement will range from 110 to 120 thousand tons, which will make it the world's largest aircraft carrier, surpassing the USS Gerald R. Ford (about 100 thousand tons, an air wing of 75 aircraft). The length is estimated at over 330 m and the width at 83 m. The expected speed will exceed 30 knots.
Image source: topwar.ru
The intended appearance of Type 004
The reactor for Type 004 is being developed by the China Institute of Nuclear Energy (NPIC) as part of the Longwei project. The satellites recorded the creation of a ground-based prototype of the nuclear power plant. In the future, China hopes to obtain a nuclear reactor for a wider range of large surface ships, such as heavy destroyers.
The construction dates of the ship are unknown, but according to Western observers, the assembly of sections and the formation of the hull may take place between 2024 and 2025, and the launching and equipping of the aircraft carrier with all necessary equipment from 2026 to 2028. Commissioning may take place between 2030 and 2032.
- Western observers believe.
