China aircraft carrier prepares to launch

Recent satellite imagery suggests that China’s advanced Type 003 aircraft carrier, which uses new electromagnetic catapult technology, is nearing its launch. It is expected to be operational in 2024


Dry dock: Partially flooded – indicates approaching launch

Electromagnet catapults: Used for aircraft  launches – construction shielded from view

TYPE 003 AIRCRAFT CARRIER
Jiangnan Shipyard, China
May 31, 2022

50m 164 feet

CHINA

Island: Command centre for flight- deck and ship operations
(inset)

Elevators: Move aircraft between main hangar deck and flight deck


AIRCRAFT CARRIER COMPARISON

Type 003 (China)
Length: 320m
Propulsion: Conventional 
Catapults: 3
Elevators: 2

Ford Class (U.S.) 
Length: 333m 
Propulsion: Nuclear Catapults: 4 
Elevators: 3


CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
Apr 2020: Empty dry dock ready
Oct 2020: Hull well underway
Sep 2021: Flight deck added


Sources: Wall Street Journal, Defense News, CSIS, Navy Recognition, Naval News
Pictures: CSIS/Maxar Technologies, Google Earth Pro, @Rupprecht_A (Twitter) 
© GRAPHIC NEWS