The progress is possibly far beyond what anyone imagined. According to the latest satellite photos, the Fujian aircraft carrier may have already tested carrier-based aircraft. Based on analysis from online users, the systems for power, radar, and electronics are all ready-made, mature, and reliable without the need for major modifications. As long as the electromagnetic catapult passes the test, the Fujian carrier is more than halfway to success.
Satellite photos from June 6 show an aircraft approximately 12 kilometers northwest of the Fujian carrier. The location is within a designated exercise area and matches the characteristics of a fighter jet. Although the resolution is limited and it’s hard to determine the exact model, considering the practical needs of the Fujian carrier, the first aircraft to be deployed is likely either the J-15 or the J-35 fighter jet. These jets are essential for the carrier’s combat capabilities, while other auxiliary aircraft can wait, but the fighters must be tested first.
The Fujian carrier is currently in motion, with smoke emanating from the island, not caused by weapon launch. Given the proximity of the aircraft and its presence within the sea trial area, it’s either been catapulted by the Fujian carrier or is waiting to be recovered. The sea trial has been ongoing for over ten days, and under normal circumstances, the electromagnetic catapult should have been operational, indicating considerable progress.
The first sea trial of the Fujian carrier lasted around eight days, primarily testing the power and propulsion systems, resulting in impressive 4K ultra-high-definition videos. The 80,000-ton carrier, with a deck over 300 meters long, performed sharp turns at sea with remarkable stability. The only downside was that the deck was empty after the sea trial, with no carrier-based aircraft or signs of takeoff and landing, which is standard for a first sea trial.
However, the second sea trial came unexpectedly soon, just over ten days later, indicating that the Fujian carrier’s condition was better than anticipated, thanks to extensive testing at the shipyard. The carrier had deployed models of carrier-based aircraft, performed weight balance tests with small red cars, and carried out various port-based tests, giving the engineers confidence to proceed. This sea trial, although not ceremonious, is significant as the carrier heads north to the Yellow Sea, testing power reliability and various carrier-based aircraft.
From the publicly released photos, the Fujian carrier has completed a 180-degree high-speed turn, with foreign media reporting a turning radius of 3.4 kilometers. This is not its minimum turning radius, as satellite photos cannot determine the speed during the turn. Such tests simulate extreme maneuvers to evade attacks like torpedoes or fighter jets. Testing under extreme conditions also prepares the carrier for heavy seas and storms.
The Fujian carrier’s tests have been relentless, even involving repeated high-speed navigation. Based on wake trail analysis, the estimated speed is over 28 knots, similar to the first sea trial, with calculations suggesting a maximum speed exceeding 30 knots. More complex figure-eight maneuvering tests have also been conducted, testing crew control skills and the carrier’s power.
With power and navigation control essentially tested, the J-15, a mature product used on the Liaoning and Shandong carriers, should easily transition to catapult launches. The J-35, a newer product with extensive ground tests, should also handle catapult launches smoothly. The greatest challenge for the Fujian carrier is the KJ-600 early warning aircraft, which is large, heavy, and carries several operators, requiring high safety standards. As a slow-speed propeller aircraft, its catapult launch will be unprecedented, differing from land-based tests due to sea conditions, wind, and stability.
According to previous maritime navigation warnings, the sea trial is scheduled to end on June 11. If carrier-based aircraft catapult tests occurred on June 6, all associated models, including the J-15BD, J-35, JL-10J trainer, KJ-600, and possibly the Z-20 or drones, could be tested. The extended sea trial indicates complex testing, with opportunities for all aircraft models to be tested on the carrier, potentially accelerating its operational timeline.
