A new, bigger aircraft carrier will definitely add to its peacetime prestige, adding credence to its status as a “blue-water” navy – capable of operating globally. It could be used like a floating base in case of crisis abroad, for example for conducting humanitarian assistance or non-combatant evacuation, as a projection of soft energy.
Contrary to the backdrop of territorial disputes in local waters, it could also be used to project hard power and carry out coercive tactics.
But it continues to be behind the United States when it comes to aircraft carrier amounts and capabilities. The united states navy has 11 nuclear-powered aircraft service providers that gives it worldwide reach, including one based in Japan plus four based on the ALL OF US west coast.
The US also has unparalleled experience with service provider operation gleaned through almost 90 years of fielding such ships, including combat encounter during World War II, the Korean, Vietnam and 1991 Gulf battles, and the War on Terror.
It has however struggled to bring the first deliver of the new Gerald R Ford-class of carriers to battle readiness.
CHINESE NAVY’S NEW CAPABILITIES
The Fujian is the first Chinese aircraft carrier pre-loaded with an electromagnetic catapult aircraft launch program, which bestows many advantages: It should be able to launch more airplane at a time, with shorter time between commences, and is less limiting in the weight and type of aircraft utilized.
Along with two main catapults and a third on the side, the Fujian may theoretically launch 2 aircraft simultaneously as well as a third soon after. A normal US Navy service provider has four catapults but are mostly steam-operated.
Electromagnetic catapult systems consider less, take up less space and energy, require less maintenance and manpower, plus recharge more quickly in between launches. However , they may be a relatively new technology, plus China might face similar challenges to the US navy – like reliability – in fully establishing this system.