【076-type Sichuan Ship May Have Completed the First Test of Electromagnetic Catapult】

The Taiwan's China Times cited "open-source intelligence" reports stating that China's newly built 076-type Sichuan Ship has completed the first test of its electromagnetic catapult system, which is considered a new milestone before the Sichuan Ship's commissioning.

The electromagnetic catapult system makes the Sichuan Ship different from other warships in the Chinese Navy. It is positioned as a "drone carrier," capable of deploying ship-based drones such as the CH-11.

In fact, this catapult can also launch fixed-wing aircraft, which brings to mind the J-35. The Sichuan Ship is currently undergoing outfitting at the Shanghai Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. However, on October 22, a photo taken the previous night was circulated on social media, showing the shipyard and bridge illuminated with lights, indicating activities were taking place at night. Moreover, the advanced launch system on the ship was facing the open waters of the Yangtze River, not the interior of the dry dock. In addition, the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration had issued an announcement, designating a small rectangular "no-navigation zone" directly in front of the dry dock entrance. From October 20 to October 29, it was completely closed to navigation, and "underwater activities" would be conducted daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Given the size and location of the "no-navigation zone" and the change in the Sichuan Ship's position, it can be predicted that the Sichuan Ship has conducted a sliding car test of its electromagnetic catapult system during the designated period. This involves using a heavy wheeled metal carriage to simulate the mass and structural stress of an aircraft at full speed, to assess the performance of the catapult system. Since each test results in the so-called "red car" sliding car being catapulted into the water, this also implies that the "underwater activities" refer to the recovery operation of the test carriage.

Original source: www.toutiao.com/article/1846757689664523/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author only.