The Chinese Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has successfully completed its first eight-day sea trial, marking a significant milestone for China’s shipbuilding industry. The sea trial, which began on May 1, tested the power system and other equipment on the ship, confirming that the Fujian is qualified and ready for future missions.
With a full load displacement of over 80,000 tons, the Fujian is the largest combat ship in the Chinese Navy. It is the third aircraft carrier in China’s fleet and features a straight deck and electromagnetic catapult system, a first for Chinese carriers. The successful completion of the sea trial is a testament to China’s progress in developing advanced naval technology.
Chinese military expert Cao Weidong praised the achievement, noting that building a large aircraft carrier is a significant challenge for any shipbuilding industry. The Fujian’s power system, in particular, was a focus of attention during the trial due to its massive tonnage and energy consumption. The ship’s use of electromagnetic ejection also posed challenges for its power supply and distribution.
Comparisons were made to the HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, the largest warships in the British Royal Navy. Both ships have faced technical issues, highlighting the importance of reliable power systems for aircraft carriers. Cao Weidong emphasized the need for rigorous testing of the Fujian’s power and electric systems to ensure its combat capabilities.
Looking ahead, the Fujian will undergo additional sea trials to test its performance under various conditions, including high-speed navigation, rough seas, and carrier-based aircraft operations. The rigorous testing process is expected to take around a year and a half before the Fujian is fully operational.
Despite the challenges ahead, the successful completion of the first sea trial is a significant achievement for the Chinese Navy and a testament to China’s growing naval capabilities. Xinhua News Agency reported that the Fujian will continue with follow-up tests according to its plan, paving the way for future missions and operations.
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