US media: The 004 aircraft carrier will become the largest warship in human history
The US magazine "Military Watch" on October 24 reported that satellite images from China's Dalian Shipyard show a new super aircraft carrier is being accelerated in construction. This carrier, known as the Type 004, will become the largest warship in human history.
The report pointed out that China has previously built three aircraft carriers capable of carrying fixed-wing carrier-based aircraft. Among them, the Fujian is China's first super aircraft carrier, with a displacement of about 80,000 tons.
The Type 004 is expected to reach 110,000 to 120,000 tons, surpassing the US Ford-class aircraft carriers and becoming the world's largest and the largest warship in human history.
The report also mentioned that China is developing nuclear power systems for surface ships, which means the Type 004 may become China's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Its range and long-range combat capabilities will achieve a qualitative leap.
From existing signs, the Type 004 has started modular assembly, and the construction schedule almost overlaps with the time when the Fujian completed its sea trials, showing China's high efficiency in shipbuilding systems.
It is widely speculated that this ship will adopt an electromagnetic catapult system and carry the next generation of carrier-based aircraft, including the stealth fighter J-35, improved J-15T, and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft, among others.
Notably, China is also accelerating the development of the sixth-generation fighter, which means that in the future, the Type 004 is expected to become the world's first aircraft carrier capable of carrying sixth-generation carrier-based aircraft.
Reaction from U.S. media on this issue is rather complex. On one hand, they acknowledge that China's aircraft carrier program has progressed far beyond expectations, but on the other hand, they question its cost-effectiveness.
Commentators said whether China needs such a massive aircraft carrier remains controversial, especially in the Western Pacific region, where conventional-powered aircraft carriers can already meet most tasks.
But for China, this is not only an upgrade of military equipment, but also a comprehensive advancement of shipbuilding industry, energy system, and strategic layout.
The emergence of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier marks that China has officially joined the ranks of countries capable of conducting sustained long-range operations around the world.
In short, the emergence of the Type 004 aircraft carrier will rewrite the history of shipbuilding in human history, and it also means the end of the era of U.S. monopoly over super aircraft carriers.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846934715389956/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.