CV-18 Fujian/003 CATOBAR carrier thread

Intrepid

Major
2 catapults initally would seems quite low for a carrier larger than 002.
Basically you are right.

But the Chinese are developing their aircraft carrier forces very carefully and deliberately. And Type 003 is not the last draft, more designs will follow. So I can well imagine building a ship of some size, but equipping it with a relatively small air wing.

An air wing with different aircraft types and operational scenarios is complex enough for the next development step. A lot of space on board ensures a higher level of safety.
 

Orthan

Senior Member
Whether it's longer or shorter, doesn't really matter at this stage.

Actually, i think that it does matter. I think that the US prizes aircraft carriers a lot. Its a kind of national status. For example, an attack on the carriers is considered an attack on CONUS.

Not that i think that it will be longer, but if china was to make an aircraft carrier longer than any ship of the USN, even if it is conventional and with less displacement, there would be offended egos on the other side of the pacific. And more calls to make bigger ships and navy.

Would that make any difference to china if it happened, i dont think so.

296 meters is quite a bit smaller than the Shandong. What am I missing here.

Kitty hawk has 300 meters waterline and about 83000t displacement. The 296 meters length sort of matches the data that we have about the 003 being similar in size and displacement (around 80000t) to kitty hawk.
 
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Intrepid

Major
Remember, 003 gets a flat forecastle deck. More aircraft just recovered can be stored there than on a carrier with ski jump. So even if 003 is shorter than Shandong, it can handle a larger air wing. But keep calm, 003 will be longer than Shandong :).
 

by78

General
Some clearer satellite images from October 14.

50626353271_a11654e3e7_h.jpg

50625608428_9f866dec57_o.jpg

50626352756_1836eacaff_o.jpg

50626453107_ba4066979c_h.jpg
 

grulle

Junior Member
Registered Member
right now we are just looking at the hull right? without the flight deck. anyone know when they will install the flight deck?
 
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