China's Fujian carrier represents technological leap with new electromagnetic launch system

China's Fujian aircraft carrier marks a significant technological leap in the country's aircraft carrier program, becoming the world's first conventionally powered vessel equipped with electromagnetic catapults, according to experts.

Independently designed and built by China, the Fujian was commissioned into active service in November last year. Bearing the hull number 18, the Fujian now joins China's other two carriers in active operation, the Liaoning and the Shandong.

In recent years, the Chinese Navy's carrier-based aviation has accelerated its development, leaping forward from single aircraft to integrated systems, from shore-based to shipborne operations, from ski-jump to catapult launches, and from being able to fly to capable of combat.

Military affairs expert Zhang Junshe explained the technological breakthrough that sets the Fujian apart.

"Leaping from steam catapults, the Fujian aircraft carrier directly adopts electromagnetic catapults. The core of this leapfrog development lies in the innovative application of medium-voltage direct current integrated power system and energy storage technology. First, the medium-voltage direct current system used on the Fujian has a generational advantage. The medium-voltage direct current integrated power system that the Fujian is equipped with has a very high energy conversion efficiency. This system directly drives the launch track, eliminating the step of mechanical energy conversion, simplifying the structure, and significantly reducing the failure rate," Zhang said.

"Second, the supercapacitors solve the challenge of pulse power supply. Conventionally powered carriers were previously doubted for their ability to meet the instantaneous high-energy demands of electromagnetic catapults. The Fujian aircraft carrier innovatively employs supercapacitor energy storage technology, featuring short charging times. It can independently handle the pulse load, avoiding any impact on the main power system," he added.

Authorities in Dongping County of east China's Shandong Province launched their annual fish stocking program on Tuesday, aiming to release more than 18 million fry including silver carp, bighead carp and grass carp into Dongping Lake.

The stocking, which will run until April 18, is intended to boost fish populations, restore ecological balance and support sustainable fisheries, officials said.

Dongping has carried out the program for 22 consecutive years, releasing a total of 378 million fry, with local officials saying the effort has become a cornerstone of the lake's ecological management.