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.

[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

[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