China's aircraft carrier Fujian is capable of using electromagnetic catapults and arresting gear to facilitate aircraft operations, marking a milestone achievement of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) made after more than two decades of development.
During a recent on-site visit, a China Media Group reporter got an up-close look of the advanced electromagnetic catapult system of the Fujian, learning about how carrier-based fighter jets can accelerate from stationary to takeoff speed in just two seconds.
"It can meet the acceleration needs of carrier-based aircraft within a relatively short distance. And then, within an extremely short distance, it ensures the smooth function of the arresting gear," said Bao Yu, an officer of the aircraft carrier.
The Fujian, along with other PLA Navy warships, recently conducted its first live-force training since its commissioning on Nov 5, during which various types of carrier-based aircraft completed multiple catapult-assisted takeoff and landing drills on the vessel.
Unlike the ski-jump decks of China's first two carriers -- the Liaoning and the Shandong -- the Fujian features a flat flight deck, with a full-load displacement exceeding 80,000 tonnes. Its ability to launch aircraft using electromagnetic catapult-assisted take-off and arrested recovery operations allows Chinese naval aviation to operate farther and with more substantial payloads than seen before.
Experts note that the ability to achieve both rapid acceleration and instantaneous braking within a limited space is one of the key technical challenges of electromagnetic catapult systems, highlighting the advanced control and energy management capabilities built into the Fujian's design.
China's Fujian aircraft carrier showcases advanced electromagnetic catapult system
China's Fujian aircraft carrier showcases advanced electromagnetic catapult system
