According to photos from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellite, there has been significant activity in the fitting dock of the Jiangnan Shipyard’s Type 003 aircraft carrier Fujian between November 14 and 17. Not only did the carrier move laterally by several dozen meters, but multiple tugboats also positioned themselves in the dock, sparking online rumors that Type 003 aircraft carrier will conduct sea trials this week!
Finally in Motion: Netizens Awaited this Moment for Too Long
This change was revealed by August@August20190831 on X, who created an image depicting the alterations in the Jiangnan Shipyard’s Type 003 aircraft carrier dock between November 14 and 17, as shown by the Sentinel-1 satellite. The results indicate a displacement of over 30 meters, the largest since it moved to the fitting dock on June 18 of the previous year.
Some netizens suggest that the dock may be dredged, while others speculate that if mooring trials were unsuccessful, they might proceed directly to sea trials. So, the question arises: Have mooring trials been conducted? Mooring trials are a necessary operation for ships before sea trials, typically conducted in a stationary state. However, even in mooring trials, there are subtle movements, such as testing the main engine, auxiliary engine, anchor machine, rudder machine, boiler, and other electromechanical equipment.
Despite the carrier being in a static state during trials, there are still observable activities. For instance, when the main engine and auxiliary engine start, smoke is emitted. On the highly scrutinized Type 003 aircraft carrier, such actions are bound to attract significant attention. So, has Type 003 aircraft carrier emitted smoke? In fact, it did back in May, and the activities were notable at that time.
Thus, the question arises whether it will emit smoke again. This is challenging to determine as the recent activities in the dock seem more complex than just emitting smoke. With multiple tugboats already in position, considering the massive size of an aircraft carrier, it cannot turn within the dock. The fitting dock’s width is less than 290 meters, while the carrier’s length is over 310 meters. Hence, tugboats are essential to guide it out.
Mooring trials don’t require tugboats, but sea trials do. Analyzing from this perspective, it seems reasonable to speculate that sea trials are imminent this week. Additionally, near the carrier’s fitting dock, what appears to be a large red carpet was recently laid out. In the dynamic images from November 14 to 17, this red carpet disappeared, indicating that high-ranking officials might have visited and provided guidance. The upcoming events are anticipated to be significant.
However, some netizens argue that mooring trials might not have been conducted yet. Since June 18 of the previous year until now, more than a year has passed, and a month has elapsed since removing the catapult windshields. This should have been sufficient time for mooring trials, and the main engine has been tested. Therefore, mooring trials should be completed. Everything seems to be in readiness! The likelihood of sea trials this week is high, and netizens have been eagerly awaiting Type 003 aircraft carrier’s sea trials for too long:
- June 18, 2022: Launch of Type 003 aircraft carrier Fujian.
- March 8, 2023: Appearance of the support ship No. 89 behind the carrier’s fitting dock.
- May 2023: The carrier emitted smoke.
- July 2023: Dismantling of the starboard catapult shelter.
- October 2023: Complete removal of the catapult shelter.
- November 2023: Red carpet laid at the carrier’s fitting dock.
- November 2023: Movement of the carrier and tugboats in the dock.
From the recent intense actions, it seems that sea trials are imminent. Even if not this week, it could happen by the end of the year, or at most within a month. Everyone, be patient and wait a little longer.
Aircraft Carrier Sea Trials: How Many Stages and When Will It Be Commissioned?
Sea trials are an essential step in the formal commissioning of a ship. For an aircraft carrier with multiple subsystems such as navigation, aviation, electronics, weapons, and power, multiple sea trials are necessary to ensure that the carrier’s design and manufacture meet initial requirements, and the navy can accept the vessel.
The first question: How long do sea trials typically last? Aircraft carrier sea trials do not have a set time limit. If a subsystem design does not meet requirements, improvements are made, and additional sea trials are conducted. Some carriers may undergo sea trials for 1-2 years, while others, like the French “Charles de Gaulle” nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, may take up to 4 years. Referring to the sea trial process of China’s Liaoning and Shandong carriers, it generally falls within a 1-2 year timeframe.
The second question: What are the stages of sea trials? Aircraft carrier sea trials consist of three main stages: mooring trials, manufacturer’s at-sea testing, and navy at-sea acceptance. Each stage focuses on different aspects. The electromagnetic catapult test, a point of interest for many, occurs in the third stage.
- Mooring trials (berthing trials): This involves simulating crew familiarization, anchor and anchor machine tests, life-saving equipment tests, cable device tests, gangway tests, door and hatch cover tests, signal equipment tests, firefighting tests, drainage tests, ventilation tests, fuel boiler tests, main propulsion system tests, and generator and distribution system tests. In addition to routine items, there are special projects like aviation equipment tests, electromagnetic compatibility tests, carrier weapon tests, and carrier aircraft compatibility tests. U.S. carrier mooring trials typically last for 5 days.
- Manufacturer’s at-sea testing: This tests whether the carrier’s power and weapon systems meet design requirements. It usually lasts 2-5 days and is the true sea trial, marking the carrier’s first at-sea movement.
- Navy at-sea acceptance testing: This is the most anticipated testing phase, including mechanical performance, command communication, reconnaissance detection, firepower weapons, aviation systems, surface systems, navigation equipment, system testing, power device testing, full-power navigation steering and reverse testing, navigation equipment and system testing, power device testing, full-power navigation and reverse testing, damage control and firefighting and life-saving system trials. It also includes catapult without load tests, helicopter takeoff and landing tests, replenishment at sea trials, and checks of auxiliary systems such as air conditioning. If significant problems are found during testing, detailed records are made, and multiple acceptance tests may be required.
The third question: What types of carrier-based aircraft will be deployed? Type 003 aircraft carrier is an electromagnetic catapult type, allowing for fixed-wing early warning aircraft. Therefore, the carrier-based aircraft on Type 003 may include:
- J-15T (catapult version): The catapult version has a stronger takeoff and landing gear than the ski-jump takeoff, and it includes an additional catapult arm. This arm is attached to the catapult shuttle, and the U.S. carriers have a device that will break when a certain torque is reached between the takeoff gear and the fixed position, indicating that the takeoff catapult force is in place. It is uncertain how the Chinese Type 003 aircraft carrier will adopt this mechanism.
- J-35: A stealthy medium-sized carrier-based aircraft, the second stealth carrier-based aircraft after the F-35. The J-35’s design flexibility is greater than the U.S. F-35, with no “overweight” problems and no short legs (shorter range) issues. China already has design experience with the J-20 stealth fifth-generation aircraft and has made targeted design improvements compared to the F-35.
- KJ-600 carrier-based fixed-wing early warning aircraft: Recent photos captured the KJ-600 test flight. Its features include a light gray official service paint, the disappearance of the airspeed tube at the front, and a prominent landing hook at the rear. This suggests that carrier-based early warning aircraft were ready long before Type 003 aircraft carrier was prepared.
In terms of helicopters, it is estimated that the Z-20 naval helicopter, the carrier-based version of the Z-20, will be deployed. The carrier may also be equipped with the Z-9S carrier-based utility helicopter, Z-18F carrier-based anti-submarine helicopter, and Z-8C carrier-based transport helicopter, among others.
Everyone is most eager to witness the electromagnetic catapult takeoff of carrier-based aircraft. Judging by the current progress, this might occur during the third or fourth sea trial, likely by the middle of next year if all goes smoothly. Stay tuned!
Type 003 Aircraft Carrier: Conventional or Nuclear Power? In theory, Type 003 aircraft carrier has already undergone sea trials, so there shouldn’t be questions about its power source. The matter of the carrier’s power is already quite clear—it is conventionally powered. This conclusion can be drawn from the photos of Type 003 aircraft carrier at the Jiangnan Shipyard’s fitting dock. The reason is simple: the proportion of the carrier’s chimneys on the island is quite large!
Conventional power comes in two forms: gas turbines and heavy oil boilers. Type 003 aircraft carrier Fujian is expected to use heavy oil boilers. The smokestacks for carriers have high requirements, as they must efficiently emit exhaust gases while minimizing impact on the hangar. Furthermore, for operational carriers, the stability of the smokestacks is crucial. The large size of the chimneys also serves the function of reducing the carrier’s infrared signature.
Although Chinese carriers use boilers, it does not mean they emit thick smoke. In fact, the smoke is relatively light. Only Russian carriers tend to emit thick smoke when sailing, often due to poor maintenance or the use of inferior heavy oil.
As for nuclear-powered carriers, it is likely that China will wait until the 004 aircraft carrier for that development. Type 003 aircraft carrier Fujian’s main highlight is its electromagnetic catapult, making it the first carrier outside the U.S. to be equipped with such technology. Additionally, it uses medium-voltage direct current for power supply, making it more advanced than the U.S. carriers, which use medium-voltage alternating current. (Xing Chen)
