China to launch first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier by 2027: report
CHINA is possibly planning the launch of its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier by the end of 2027, a report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) revealed, citing images captured by a satellite from China’s Dalian Shipyard.
The report said that it is likely a Type 004 and is being constructed at a rapid pace. Images from the yard suggest that in less than two years, hull components had been prefabricated and even assembled into a clearly recognisable hull, highlighting the strength and pace of Chinese shipbuilding.
According to sources, the hull is 322 m long as seen from the half-completed bow till stern and a width of 46 metres. This is bigger than any other class of surface combatant in the Chinese navy, as per the report.
The vessel’s hull structure reveals it is not a civilian ship and neither its design matches with any other ship in the existing commercial fleet of container vessels, cargo ships or tankers. Its hull shape is similar to naval aircraft carriers, experts suggest.
The ship could also be equipped with four aircraft launch catapults with a flight deck and hangar, allowing it to accommodate aircraft and boost carrier-based flight operations.
This would improve China’s ability to conduct sustained naval aviation operations over greater distances. The propulsion system of the carrier would be its most important feature, as it would use nuclear energy, representing a major advancement in naval capabilities.
Unlike traditional aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered ships do not need regular refuelling and can maintain high speeds for long periods. They return to port only for getting supplies of food, water and other essential goods needed by the crew members.
If this ship enters the Chinese fleet next year, it would definitely boost the country’s naval warfare and enable power projection beyond its immediate waters, making it at par with U.S blue-water capabilities.
China has been launching ships continuously, becoming the unrivalled leader when it comes to rapid shipbuilding. It commissioned the Fujian aircraft carrier with 3 electromagnetic catapults.
The 80,000-ton vessel was built rapidly, and after its launch, China is building a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Beijing's first of its kind.
