The People’s Liberation Army Navy of China announced on Monday (22) that the CNS Fujian, the most advanced aircraft carrier in the Chinese fleet, has successfully carried out its first electromagnetic catapult (CATOBAR) launches.
According to the official statement, the tests included the new carrier-based stealth fighter Shenyang J-35, the catapult-capable naval version of the J-15, and the Xi’an KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft.
Until now, China’s Liaoning and Shandong carriers had used the STOBAR system with a ski-jump, which limits the payload and range of aircraft. The Fujian’s electromagnetic CATOBAR system allows fighters to take off with greater weight, more fuel, and weapons, bringing China’s naval aviation capabilities closer to those of U.S. aircraft carriers.
Military officials described the achievement as a milestone for the country’s naval aviation, indicating that the Fujian has reached its initial full-deck capability.
Source and images: China Navy
