The Type 003 class was originally unofficially called Type 002 when Shandong, China's then-incomplete second carrier, was believed to be designated Type 001A. Shandong's official designation, Type 002, was revealed during commissioning. Observers hence believed the third carrier will be the Type 003.[5]
The carrier's displacement is expected to be similar to the unfinished 85,000-ton Soviet aircraft carrier Ulyanovsk[15] and the United States Navy's 100,000-ton supercarriers.[16] Early assessment measured the Type 003 at approximately 300 m (330 yd) long; renewed assessment indicated that its length was 316 m (346 yd) and has an angled flight deck 76 m (83 yd) wide.[17][6][7] Comparisons have also been drawn to the American Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carriers.[18][19] Earlier press reports and Chinese media generally suggested that the ship might have a displacement of around 80,000 tons to 85,000 tons. Later assessments, backed by satellite images, suggested the displacement was underestimated, and the Type 003 carrier might be closer in displacement to about 100,000 tons.[13][20][21]
In 2019, analyst Robert Farley believed that the Type 003 would be the "largest and most advanced aircraft carrier ever built outside the United States".[15]
Development
Fujian at the Jiangnan Shipyard in 2022
The Type 003 was originally intended to use steam catapults.[5] In 2013, PLAN Rear AdmiralYin Zhuo said that China's next aircraft carrier would be equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system.[22] Multiple prototypes were spotted by media in 2012, and aircraft capable of using such system were tested at naval research facilities.[23] The change to electromagnetic (EM) catapults likely explains the increase in size from previous Chinese carriers.[5]
Construction of the carrier began in the mid-2010s. The exact date is not known; The National Interest reported March 2015;[24]The Diplomat reported that "initial work" had begun in February 2016, followed by a notice to proceed given to the Shanghai Jiangnan Shipyard Group in March 2017.[25] Works were reportedly delayed in June 2017 by electromagnetic and steam catapult tests.[26] By November 2017, the Navy had reportedly developed an IEP system to power electromagnetic catapults, allowing work on the Type 003 to resume.[12][27][28]
Prefabricatedblock modules were moved from the manufacturing facility to the staging area in May 2020, and into dry dock in July 2020. Almost all of the keel and base hull blocks were in the dock by early September 2020, although the foremost part of the bow was missing. Measurements based on satellite and aerial photography suggested a hull/waterline length of 300 meters — nearly the flight deck length of China's existing carriers — a maximum beam of 40 m (131 ft 3 in), and a displacement of more than 85,000 tonnes (84,000 long tons).[5] In mid-2020, anonymous Chinese sources projected a launch in the first half of 2022.[13] In September 2020, Rick Joe of The Diplomat projected a launch in mid-2022 at the earliest.[5]
In July 2021, satellite pictures showed that construction was moving ahead, with key elements such as the superstructure and three catapult launch systems being added to the hull.[29][17] On November 10, Bloomberg reported that "China is three to six months away from launching its third aircraft carrier", citing a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.[30]
The aircraft carrier, officially named Fujian, was launched with the hull number "18" on June 17, 2022.[31] This name received scrutiny in Western media as its namesake, the coastal Fujian province, is located directly opposite Taiwan island across the strait.[32][33][34] However, a PLA Navy spokesperson explained that Chinese aircraft carriers are named after provinces, as per PLAN vessel naming regulations. Previous Chinese aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, are also named after provinces of China.[35]
The third carrier is expected to have an expanded carrier air wing. In September 2016, a CATOBAR-launched prototype of the J-15 carrier-based fighter was spotted in Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC). A ground-based test facility was built to simulate aircraft catapult operation for the third carrier.[36] In 2018, defense analyst Kyle Mizokami predicted the carrier would operate an air group of 40 fighter aircraft, plus propeller-powered transport and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.[37] In 2020, the KJ-600 carrier-based AEW&C aircraft began test flights.[38][39]
In April 2023, the third carrier started power and mooring trials and is expected to undergo sea trials in late 2023 to early 2024.[45][46] In November 2023, the carrier began testing of the onboard electromagnetic catapult.[47]
On January 2, 2024, the state-owned Central China Television revealed in a segment of its nightly news program Xinwen Lianbo an aerial footage of Fujian, with its three catapult tracks clearly visible.[48][49][50] A mockup of a carrier-based aircraft could also be seen parked on the stern deck. In January 2024, the Fujian was carrying out mooring tests in preparation for its maiden voyage, with "multiple sea trials planned for 2024", according to Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert.[51]
People's Liberation Army Navy
China
