China has unveiled the first official video footage of flight operations aboard its newest aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian.
The footage, aired by state broadcaster CCTV, suggests that China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier may have successfully conducted a catapult-assisted takeoff drill involving the J-15T fighter aircraft.
First-ever official footage of flight operations aboard China’s newest, soon-to-be commissioned aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian (18)
On the eve of the PLA’s 98th anniversary, PRC media released video showcasing another major milestone: integration tests between the electromagnetic… pic.twitter.com/wIrU4hxFi6
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A catapult launch is a method used on aircraft carriers to rapidly propel aircraft to takeoff speed within the limited space of a flight deck. If confirmed, Fujian would be China’s first carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults – a significant advancement over the ski-jump ramps used on its two earlier carriers, Liaoning and Shandong.
“The feat marks a key milestone for the Fujian – China’s first aircraft carrier equipped with an electromagnetic catapult – before its expected entry into service this year,” South China Morning Post said in its report.
The J-15T featured in the video is a new variant of the J-15 “Flying Shark,” a 4.5-generation fighter jet derived from the Soviet Su-33.
Current J-15 models are deployed on China’s Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers, both of which use ski-jump ramps for takeoffs.
EurAsian Times said the J-15T has been specifically adapted for catapult-assisted launches.
“Visually, the J-15T can be easily distinguished from its predecessors by its reinforced nose landing gear, which features a longer and wider shock-absorbing oleo strut designed to withstand the increased stress of catapult launches,” EurAsian Times notes.
The People’s Liberation Army, China’s unified military force, aims to operate six aircraft carriers by 2035, positioning the country as the world’s second-largest naval power behind the United States.
