DALIAN, CHINA (24 August 2019) -- Although not yet officially named (currently simply known as “Type 001A aircraft carrier”.....but may be named “ Shandong”), China first domestically-built aircraft carrier has been undergoing extensive sea trials over the past year....in preparation for the warship to eventually join the People's Liberation Army Navy -- the Chinese naval fleet.
The two photos above show the carrier on her launch day (first time into the water) in 2017.
Her sharp, acoustic design and dramatic ski-slope flight deck give her a formidable and modern look....and a distinctly different appearance from American aircraft carriers.
U.S. Navy nuclear-powered Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)
The new Chinese carrier runs on conventional steam turbine propulsion (as opposed to the nuclear-powered propulsion of all current American carriers)....and is capable of carrying 38 to 40 fighter, attack and logistics aircraft (about half of the number carried by American Nimitz-class aircraft carriers).
As with any aircraft carrier, its eventual value and utility will be determined not only by the ship’s design, but, probably even more importantly, by her ability to project power via her embarked aircraft. It remains to be seen if the Chinese can capitalize on this new platform in the years ahead, and make it a significant threat to American and allied tactical and strategic planning on the high seas.
China’s first aircraft carrier, Liaoning
This will be China’s second aircraft carrier. The first, Liaoning, was originally built for the Soviet Union decades ago....but the hull was abandoned when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991....and was eventually sold to China. Liaoning entered the Chinese fleet in 2012 and is officially designated as a training ship....and used extensively for testing and training.
>>CLICK the top two photos for a much closer look....
