Sea trials begin for China’s future aircraft carrier

By Baird Maritime - May 2, 2024.

The Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian at its launching ceremony, June 17, 2022 — *The Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian at its launching ceremony at Jiangnan Shipyard, June 17, 2022 (Photo: Chinese government)*

Chinese state media recently confirmed that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLA-N) newest aircraft carrier began undergoing sea trials earlier this week.

The future Fujian will be China’s third aircraft carrier after Liaoning and Shandong. However, it is the only one of the three to be constructed locally in China.

Also, unlike the two earlier carriers, the future Fujian has a conventional flat flight deck without a ski jump at the bow to assist aircraft launches. The flight deck is fitted with three catapults with electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS) similar to those on the US Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class carriers.

The new carrier will displace about 80,000 tonnes at full load upon completion. Propulsion is by gas turbines linked to generators that provide power to electric motors.

The aircraft complement will include J-15 fighter-bombers, KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft, and Z-8 and Z-9 helicopters.

The PLA-N expects to have the future Fujian in operational service by early 2026.