China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy announced on Monday (22) that the CNS Fujian, the most advanced carrier in its fleet, has successfully conducted its first electromagnetic catapult (CATOBAR) launches.
According to the official communiqué, the trials involved the new carrier-borne stealth fighter Shenyang J-35, the catapult-compatible naval version of the J-15, and the Xi’an KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft.
Up to now, the Chinese carriers Liaoning and Shandong relied on the STOBAR ski-jump system, which restricts aircraft payload and range. The Fujian’s electromagnetic CATOBAR enables fighters to launch with heavier loads, more fuel, and additional armaments, bringing Chinese carrier aviation closer in capability to that of the United States Navy.
Military authorities hailed the event as a landmark for China’s naval aviation, noting that the Fujian has achieved its initial full-deck capability.
Source and images: China Navy
