CV-18 Fujian/003 CATOBAR carrier thread

[BillRamengod]

Chahuahui just made a midnight emergency update at Qingting, go check it out.

Latest update from "Chahuahui":

The electromagnetic catapult provides very powerful and sustained acceleration. It allows aircraft to launch without losing altitude, even with low deck wind.
The electric board on crew's hand showed takeoff weight of the J-35 is 32 tons.（WHAT THE HELL???）

Other topic:

• The electromagnetic arrestment system distributes load evenly, and pilots strongly prefer it (compared to systems on the Liaoning and Shandong).
• The two WJ-6 engines on the KJ-600 still emit black smoke.
• 局座 (Zhang Zhaozhong)—who previously participated in the survey work of the Melbourne aircraft carrier's catapult system, is probably drunk-singing 'Sailor' right now.
• If steam catapults had been chosen during the initial competition back then, Yankee and Shilao wouldn't have been able to see the catapult on the Sichuan recently (yes, they're showing off).

 

[Nevermore]

The takeoff weight is displayed as 32 tons. Does this imply that the J-35's maximum takeoff weight is slightly greater than 32 tons? (For example, around 35 tons?) Could this be a near-heavy fighter?

 

[siegecrossbow]

The takeoff weight is displayed as 32 tons. Does this imply that the J-35's maximum takeoff weight is slightly greater than 32 tons? (For example, around 35 tons?) Could this be a near-heavy fighter?

Heavy fighter definition changes from generation to generation because fighter aircraft trend heavier as engine tech improves. That said, J-35 is probably comparable to Super Hornet in the weight class of its own generation.

 

[Nevermore]

Heavy fighter definition changes from generation to generation because fighter aircraft trend heavier as engine tech improves. That said, J-35 is probably comparable to Super Hornet in the weight class of its own generation.

The FA-18EF's maximum takeoff weight is slightly lower than that of the F-35C. If the J-35's reported 32-ton figure is accurate, the J-35 would be significantly larger than the FA-18EF.
PS: I understand what you mean now.

 

[siegecrossbow]

The FA-18EF's maximum takeoff weight is slightly lower than that of the F-35C. If the J-35's reported 32-ton figure is accurate, the J-35 would be significantly larger than the FA-18EF.

I didn’t say it has the same weight, I said that it occupies the same weight class within its generation. F-35 is heavier than F-15 in empty weight. They are not directly comparable.

 

[LurkerZhu]

The display board first shows the payload to the pilot to know the aircraft’s actual maneuverability, then shows to the catapult controller to confirm the power level setting for launch.

If the intelligence from “Frame check” is correct, this would be a fully loaded catapult test. However, the J-15T in video obviously no weapon, the video material may have been edited:

Some clips of the J-35 likely came from later heavy-load tests.
Main videos of the J-15T may have been from much earlier light-load tests.

 

[Sardaukar20]

China have come a long way indeed. From a country being threatened by enemy aircraft carriers, to one launching its own 5th generation fighter from an EM catapult of its own aircraft carrier.

 

[Gloire_bb]

China have come a long way indeed. From a country being threatened by enemy aircraft carriers, to one launching its own 5th generation fighter from an EM catapult of its own aircraft carrier.

Coming*. There's this jubilant atmosphere everywhere, but it's too early, yet.
China's carrier fleet (2 CV medium, 4 LHA - now, 1 CVA, 1 LHA/CVL - working up) isn't exactly equal to american (11 CVN , 9 LHA/LHD active, 1 CVN, 2 LHA working up). Even counting very generously, it's still not anywhere near the ratio Japan had v US at Marianas.

Until and unless PLAN can meet USN on even terms in open ocean, or until US and its chain of alliances will collapse, country will remain threatened by enemy aircraft carriers. It can be very well defended, but offensive threat didn't go anywhere.

 

[kwaigonegin]

Congrats to PLAN. I have to admit it's odd to not see steam blowing around the deck but it just shows a progression in technology.

 

[bsdnf]

Some observations: KJ-600's launch speed is very low, because it doesn't need a high takeoff speed. It just needs a little push.

This is the advantage of electromagnetic catapults: speed can be adjusted flexibly according to the load. No more forceful yanking from the steam catapults.