Ask anything Thread

[definitelyfrank]

Do we know whether the Fujian uses IEP? I often see these claims on the internet, but I don't know of any evidence to support them.

If she doesn't use IEP, wouldn't she basically be using the very same propulsion system as the 001/002, albeit with greater electrical production?

 

[Confusionism]

Most likely not. There’s good reason why people often refer to the Fujian as an enlarged version of the Type 001/002. Switching to IEP propulsion while introducing EM catapults would pose severe risks, especially on the PLA’s current largest aircraft carrier. If future carriers are to be nuclear-powered, taking such a huge risk would be even less justifiable.

 

[Aspide]

Essentially the same steam turbine powerplant. More powerful turbine and Diesel driven generators. Will make it way easier to switch from boilers to nuclear reactor.

 

[AndrewS]

Do we know whether the Fujian uses IEP? I often see these claims on the internet, but I don't know of any evidence to support them.

If she doesn't use IEP, wouldn't she basically be using the very same propulsion system as the 001/002, albeit with greater electrical production?

Unlikely.

The Type-076 with EMALs is presumably the large IEPS testbed.

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IEPS allows you to reduce the overall number and power of the engines/generators, as well as operate them more efficiently, which matters when a ship has a limited supply of ship fuel.

But that doesn't really apply to nuclear powered ships (such as 004) where the reactors are presumably already sized for the maximum load and it makes little or no difference at what power level they run at.

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So look at the Ford-class carrier setup.

The reactors provide heat for 250MW of electricity generation plus another 260MW for propulsion.

With nuclear reactors there's arguably no need for IEPS because the reactors can always provide full power when needed.

 

[Aspide]

I understand that the dual-faced AESA on 075/076 and latest 052Ds is attributed as H/LJQ-368. Are the designations of the dual-face S-band on 076/054B and AESA illuminators on 054AG/956EM also known? Perhaps export designations?