Media: The reliability of the U.S. electromagnetic catapult system has not improved
Xinhua, a Chinese official media outlet, reported that the J-15T, J-35, and KJ-600 three types of carrier-based aircraft that participated in the September 3rd military parade at the beginning of the month have successfully completed their first catapult takeoff and landing training on the Fujian aircraft carrier. The news states that this is another breakthrough in the development of China's aircraft carriers, marking that the Fujian aircraft carrier has the capability of electromagnetic catapult and recovery, which is a milestone in promoting the transformation and construction of the navy.
The PLA Daily reported that journalists followed the Fujian aircraft carrier throughout the process and witnessed the J-15T, J-35, and KJ-600 three types of carrier-based aircraft complete their first catapult takeoff and landing training on China's third aircraft carrier. "This marks that the Fujian aircraft carrier has the ability to catapult and recover. This is another breakthrough in the development of China's aircraft carriers, which is a milestone in promoting the transformation and construction of the navy," said a leader of the relevant naval department. During multiple test and training missions, several naval pilots flew these three types of carrier-based aircraft and successfully achieved takeoffs and landings on the Fujian aircraft carrier, verifying the good compatibility between China's independently developed electromagnetic catapult and arresting system and multiple types of carrier-based aircraft, enabling the Fujian aircraft carrier to initially possess full deck operation capabilities, laying a good foundation for subsequent types of carrier-based aircraft to integrate into the aircraft carrier battle group system.
It is understood that the electromagnetic catapult system is more compact and has a simpler mechanical structure than traditional steam-powered catapult systems, and can easily be configured for launching light and heavy aircraft, thus reducing the burden on the aircraft. This technology faces some reliability-related doubts in the United States. In August, the U.S. Congressional Research Service stated: "Despite engineering upgrades to hardware and software, the reliability has not significantly improved compared to previous years, and reliance on external technical support remains a challenge."
Bloomberg reported that the Fujian aircraft carrier, 316 meters long, is equipped with three electromagnetic catapults for launching fighter jets, similar to the advanced system used on the U.S. latest aircraft carrier, the Ford. However, unlike the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, the Fujian uses conventional power, which will limit its range and deployment time.
Sources: rfi
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843989843385354/
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