China aircraft carrier nears launch
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China’s third aircraft carrier, known for now as Type 003, features advanced aircraft launching technology that will propel China into an exclusive club with the U.S. and France
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CHINA

TYPE 003
Propulsion: Conventional 
Displacement: 85,000-100,000 tonnes

Jiangnan Shipyard: Oct 23 satellite images suggest Type 003 could be launched as soon as 
Feb 2022

Length: 320m 
Catapults (x3)
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Control tower 

1 2 3

Elevators (x2): Move aircraft between hangar and flight deck

Beam: 78m
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USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)
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Instead of ski ramp, Type 003 features CATOBAR* system, where aircraft use catapult-assisted take-off and land using arrestor wires. CATOBAR enables launch of bigger fixed-wing aircraft with heavier payloads and more fuel

Like new U.S. Gerald R. Ford- class, Type 003 will use electromagnetic launch system instead of steam catapult, enabling faster launch rate

*Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery 
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Sources: Center for Strategic and International Studies, FAS Pictures: CSIS, U.S. Navy © GRAPHIC NEWS