China's first domestic built Aircraft Carrier

[skyrover]

Looks like the first modules have been spotted at a dry-dock in Dalian



If accurate, we can probably expect in service by 2018 and fully operational with air wing by 2020.

[Simpo Two]

Perhaps we could buy a couple, and maybe some aeroplanes to go on them too?

[Mojocvh]

Simpo Two said:

Perhaps we could buy a couple, and maybe some aeroplanes to go on them too?

Actually that’s not such a daft idea.

Unless of course they equip them with reverse engineered F-35B clones, which, even with the original item, is a st idea.

[skyrover]

China will be using the J-15 (essentially a reverse engineered and upgraded Su-33 using modern composites and avionics)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenyang_J-15

This is an SU-30 MKI but it's dimensions are nearly identical to the SU-33, so gives you an idea of the size of the thing.

Edited by skyrover on Saturday 25th April 06:52

[hantsxlg]

It's frigging HUGE. Do you know how the SU-33 compares size wise to an F-14

How many of those will they actually be about to fit on the carrier?

[skyrover]

Here's a nice comparison with an su-27 which is similar in dimensions to the su-33/J-15



The current Chinese carrier which was bought unfinished from Ukraine can fit 24 fixed wing and 12 rotary aircraft onboard for a total of 36.

We don't know if this new carrier will be similar to the current carrier, or something a bit larger, perhaps with CATOBAR configuration.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_aircraft_carr...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_aircraft_carr...

Edited by skyrover on Saturday 25th April 06:58

[Nickyboy]

skyrover said:

Looks like the first modules have been spotted at a dry-dock in Dalian



If accurate, we can probably expect in service by 2018 and fully operational with air wing by 2020.

Knowing China it will be built and in service by November.