Overview
- The Fujian is China’s third carrier and the first designed and built domestically.
- State media say the ship employs an electromagnetic launch system (EMALS) that enables heavier aircraft loads and multiple aircraft types.
- The vessel uses conventional fuel and must refuel at sea or in port, reducing endurance compared with U.S. nuclear-powered carriers.
- Former U.S. Navy officers and a Chinese military blogger warn the flight-deck layout could curb sortie rates to roughly 60% of U.S. carrier operations.
- Chinese shipyards are building a larger Type 004 carrier that reports indicate will feature EMALS and likely nuclear propulsion.