Dear MEL Topic Readers,
CNS Fujian achieves milestone with electromagnetic launch of advanced
Naval aircraft
Formed in 1927, the People’s Liberation Army of China is about to
celebrate its first centennial anniversary. Technologically, it has advanced
rapidly in the last few decades in space, in the air, and also in the sea. For
example, Fujian is China’s third aircraft carrier, and its first indigenously
designed carrier. It is regarded as the largest and most advanced aircraft carrier
outside the US. Though the carrier uses a conventional propulsion system, it is
equipped with the most advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS),
which is used only by the US’s Gerard R. Ford. The electromagnetic launch
system uses a linear induction motor to accelerate aircraft instead of the conventional
steam-powered launch system, providing smoother acceleration and faster
recharge while requiring less maintenance and less fresh water. Because of its linear
acceleration, the launch system puts less stress on the airframe, which allows
a wider range of aircraft weights. Recently, Fujian successfully launched and
recovered two types of modern naval fighter jets and a twin-propeller early
warning and control aircraft, equivalent to the US Navy’s E-2 Hawkeye. China’s
proud super carrier is nearly ready to be commissioned. In the meantime, various
navies are modifying or developing vessels that can launch drones, which don’t
require a high-tech electromagnetic launch system.
Read the article and learn about China’s highly advanced aircraft
launch system.
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