PLAN Aircraft Carrier programme...(Closed)

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Jeff Head

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Some more nice photos from more recent carrier ops:

The first is a couple of seconds later than the one we have normally seen as the aircraft in the forward starboard position is taking off.

J15-Liaoning-01.jpg

J15-Liaoning-02.jpg

J15-Liaoning-03.jpg
Clearly, in the last two there, operational aircraft numbers 100 and 101 have been operating on the carrier.

...and here's a nice one I caught in passing from a video, aboard the Liaoning. Looks like they are definitely testing various weapons loads:


J15-Liaoning-06.jpg
 

Blitzo

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Or perhaps refitted on to the 054A's themselves? Though this discussion belongs in another thread.

Doubtful, given 055 already features an integrated mast of its own not to mention quite a comprehensive radar system, with no need for the kind of array that is likely within the dome (given what we can extrapolate regarding timing as well as the size and geometry of the magic lantern mast).

One possibility is that the magic lantern mast is actually the aft mast for 055, however it's geometry, size and stand alone nature at the Wuhan test site makes me doubt that.
 

Blitzo

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^^^ He was talking about the 054A. I doubt they will refit all the existing 054As unless as some sort of major midlife upgrade.

Whoops, misread.
And yes, a refit is doubtful, I myself expect 054As to do quite well with their sea eagles for their entire service life.

If a mod could move these few posts to the 054A thread it would be appreciated.
 

Blitzo

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Well the wuhan mock up is definitely having its island reshaped, and is likely indicative of the first indigenous carrier's island geometry and arrangement.
I can't say much regarding the CGIs as they're obviously fan made, but the suggested new arrangement of the arrays does seem similar to the study diagrams from a few years back that was part of the pic you posted

Larger here:

n1IsAfK.jpg




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Keep in mind this doesn't necessarily mean 001A or 002 will feature the same configuration as these proposals, but it does mean the PLAN has likely evaluated a variety of different configurations with this being one of them.
 
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