Recently, researchers suddenly found that the U.S. Department of Defense no longer refers to the USS Ford aircraft carrier as the "most advanced aircraft carrier," but rather as a "first-rate aircraft carrier." This may be because, after X years of service, the USS Ford has not yet demonstrated the expected combat power. Although many problems with its electromagnetic catapult system and weapon elevators have been gradually resolved, the USS Ford has not played a key role in hotspots, such as protecting Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean or the Arabian Sea. The ones that have taken on the main responsibility are still several older Nimitz-class carriers. However, this timing coincides with the recent emergence of the J-15DT, which makes people speculate a lot.
Although from a technical perspective, the USS Ford is indeed much more advanced than the Nimitz-class, the U.S. Navy no longer has the face to boast about it. The next Ford-class carrier, the USS Kennedy, is expected to be commissioned in 2027. Let's see if it has the design and manufacturing quality to restore confidence in the U.S. Navy.
On the other end of the Eurasian continent, the emergence of another type of aircraft may disrupt the U.S. Navy's thinking about the Ford class. Someone has captured footage of the J-15 carrier-based electronic warfare variant flying, which American researchers call the J-15DT. Using the basic model of the carrier-based fighter for an electronic warfare variant was a path pioneered by Americans. From the EA-6B to the EA-18G, electronic warfare aircraft have played a crucial role in offensive operations. They are pioneers in suppressing air defense (SEAD) operations, and when stealth fighters are not yet operational or cannot arrive, electronic warfare aircraft are responsible for suppressing enemy air defense radars and destroying anti-missile systems, creating conditions for subsequent attack aircraft to penetrate. The emergence of the J-15DT indicates that the Chinese Navy also has the mission of striking from the sea to the land.
【Newly emerged J-15DT】
Analysts have seen four rectangular electronic pods under the belly of the J-15DT and at the wingtips. Compared to the performance aircraft at the 2024 Zhuhai Air Show, it lacks two more under the wings. However, the newly appeared J-15DT may have its own advantages. It is believed to be a catapult takeoff and arrested landing type. The specific reason is that the front landing gear compartment door has changed from one to two. Some people believe that the J-15DT has removed the rear speed brake, which is unnecessary for carrier takeoff and landing models.
The Chinese Navy currently only has one catapult carrier, the Fujian, which is undergoing sea trials. Its testing and takeoff and landing are of great concern to global naval analysts. The appearance of the catapult-type J-15DT in the sky indicates that the配套 research and development of the Fujian carrier and its carrier air group is progressing smoothly, and the generation of new quality combat power is on the way.
【J-15DH during the Zhuhai Air Show】 【J-15DH during the Zhuhai Air Show】
When the Liaoning first carried the J-15 out to sea, Western analysts once mocked it as "the heaviest carrier-based aircraft in the world." As a ski-jump takeoff model, its takeoff weight of 33 tons is indeed quite large. Even the A6, as a dedicated attack aircraft, has a maximum takeoff weight of only 27 tons. However, the Americans could not understand the urgency of China's pursuit of maritime power. Even if the J-15 is not perfect, it can be used to form the initial combat power of China's carrier-based aircraft. Moreover, the Chinese understanding of modern air combat differs from that of the U.S. military.
Since the concept of network-centric warfare emerged, it has deeply resonated with China. It fully aligns with China's traditional military philosophy, which holds that war is never a solo act, but a coordinated effort among various arms. The information technology of the new century has made many ideals previously unattainable in traditional warfare a reality. The effectiveness of aerial combat no longer depends on the physical parameters of a single platform, but on the overall system's performance. This was clearly demonstrated in the 57th air battle between India and Pakistan. Whether it was the J-10 or the Rafale, neither had the opportunity to showcase their maneuvering capabilities, nor did they have the chance to demonstrate the advantages of their onboard radar. The electronic warfare aircraft, early warning aircraft, and data links of the Pakistani side decided the outcome of the battle.
【EA-18G of the U.S. Navy】
The J-15DT is an electronic reconnaissance and offensive node in the sea-air combat. It intercepts, analyzes, and locates various electromagnetic signals from the opponent using internal and external electronic equipment, supports the surveillance and command control functions of the early warning aircraft, and creates conditions for other combat aircraft to conduct air-to-air, air-to-sea, and air-to-ground operations. It does not even need to undertake air combat tasks - it has been found that the infrared electro-optical system in front of the cockpit may have been removed. Even the wing undercarriage points are no longer arranged. The four existing pods are sufficient to complete the mission.
American analysts also pointed out an important difference. In front of the electronic warfare pods of the J-15DT, there is no small propeller like the American version. Because American electronic warfare pods do not rely on the carrier for power, they use the oncoming airflow to drive the small propeller and generator. This self-powered pod provides multi-platform carrying capability, but brings additional weight and volume. The J-15DT directly supplies power to the pod from the carrier, indicating the specificity of its mission, and also improves flight performance. That small propeller is indeed a significant source of resistance.
【J-15 preparing to launch from the Fujian】
Along with the J-15DT, the long-rumored carrier-based early warning aircraft, the J-20, and the fifth-generation carrier-based aircraft, the J-35, which has appeared multiple times, are almost certainly the main equipment of the Fujian carrier air group. Now the question arises: After the main equipment is in place, which is stronger in combat power between the Fujian, which uses gas turbine power, and the Ford, which uses nuclear power?
Theoretically speaking, the Ford, apart from being more expensive to build and maintain, should have better combat power after deployment. After all, the nuclear reactor is superior to the gas turbine in both output power and logistics burden. This is especially important for an all-electric warship. The Ford can support the operation of several electromagnetic catapults while sailing at full speed, and it is not necessary to recover the energy of the arresting cables. Conventional power carriers need to set up energy storage devices to provide electricity for the catapults, which may affect the operation of the propulsion system. However, ideal situations may not be implemented. Today, the coordination ability of large complex engineering projects in the United States has seriously declined, and the shipbuilding industry can no longer support the position of a maritime hegemon. In this situation, trying to leap into the modern all-electric warship era results in the current status of the Ford: it has not conducted a single full-flight deck attack since commissioning, and the longest continuous mission time is only 81 days. The superiority of the nuclear power heart is not reflected.
【The reality of the Ford is very harsh】
Although the Fujian has not yet officially formed combat capability, its continuous cruising time record has already exceeded 100 days. The wheel marks on the deck prove that the takeoff and landing tests have been successful. Even though the power output of conventional power is slightly weaker than that of nuclear power, with the support of an information system, the comprehensive combat power of the strike group may not be inferior to that of the Ford.
This comparison will bring deep thoughts to the Pacific partners of the United States. For decades after the war, the U.S. maritime hegemony has been their biggest political correctness, and the formidable U.S. aircraft carriers have been the concrete representation. Now, this foundation is beginning to shake. So, whether Japan, the Philippines, or Australia, should they re-examine their own future?
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7536021141383594496/
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