Ask anything Thread

[Jeff Head]

I got a question so far all the pic show the 30mm have a human operator, does that mean it can be remotely controlled or automated?

I am moving your question to the PLAN Ask Anything Thread.

My understanding is that the PLAN does in fact have a version of this 25mm mount that can be either manual or remote operated. for example I believe the ones on the Type 056 are that way.

I do not know if the mounts on the Type 072 LSTs are also remote operation capable, but given the sensors I see on the mount, I would say that they are.

 

[Tyloe]

What is this test radar about and where is it based in China?

I'm starting to think this is a new 3D air/surface search multi-mode radar, very likely working in S band, or at a band which does not exist among PLAN systems. If not the latter, probably S or E if it's designed to replace the Type 382 on future 054 frigates. S band would mean it's competing with the radar tested in the integrated mast in Wuhan.

Some at defence.pk claims its the L band radar for the Type 055.

What does sinodefence think?

 

[Jura The idiot]

What would be the minimal time for all aircraft of a Nimitz-class carrier to take off at once?
(a layman asked me this on Friday, so I've tried to tell him the question probably doesn't make sense, as nowadays it doesn't work as off Midway in 1942 but he insisted, so I attempted a guess "at least one hour", then searched Internet, didn't find it, but realized it might me much less ... thanks)

 

[Totoro]

IF all planes and crews and cats were prepared for a mission at the same time (which in reality never happens) it could launch all aircraft within 20 or so minutes.

 

[bd popeye]

Totoro is correct. I could take a little longer. 5-7 minutes or so barring any unforeseen circumstances.

What would be the minimal time for all aircraft of a Nimitz-class carrier to take off at once?
(a layman asked me this on Friday, so I've tried to tell him the question probably doesn't make sense, as nowadays it doesn't work as off Midway in 1942 but he insisted, so I attempted a guess "at least one hour", then searched Internet, didn't find it, but realized it might me much less ... thanks)

The most likely time something like this would occur is when the entire air wing is flown off the ship at the end of a deployment or at sea period.

 

[Jura The idiot]

thanks Totoro & bd popeye! tomorrow I'll tell that guy "about half of an hour" (it could be an awesome video if fast-played, by the way

 

[bruceb1959]

I kinda like the idea of unmanned stealth airships as possible future tankers.

Their inherent characteristics means they use very little fuel to stay airborne and move around compared to conventional tankers. Their ability to move very slowly means they can descend and tether to a supply ship to take on fuel and replacement nitrogen gas without ever having to actually land.

The slow speed of airships could be mitigated by them flying high and using a very long fuel hose and small engine attached to the boom, which can fly large circles under the airship to achieve sufficient airspeed to allow fighters to refuel without risk of stalling out.

These would lack speed for rapid deployments, but you can use buddy tanking to meet any emergency needs and tide any thirsty birds over until they can get to an airship to fully stock up.

If UCAVs develop to one day be able to challenge manned fighters in air combat, such a set up could conceivably replace carriers for most air defence missions.

So instead of sending out a carrier strike group, you just deploy UCAVs and send up airship tankers to support them with fuel.

If you develop the concept a bit more, you can easily turn the airships into UCAV motherships, with UCAVs able to automatically dock and launch from them, thereby removing the need for the UCAVs to land even to rearm after combat. You will just need to rotate the drone motherships once their munitions stocks start running low for replenishment.

I can see that as a potential long term development path for aircraft carriers 30-50 years down the line, where flying airship carriers start to first supplement, and then eventually replace the seaborne variety.

Breaking News! new PLAN Carrier spotted!

 

[Hyperwarp]

Breaking News! new PLAN Carrier spotted
...

Thats clear a fakely. I on the other hand was given exclusive access to the following PLAN image(s).

 

[kwaigonegin]

Breaking News! new PLAN Carrier spotted!View attachment 25009

yes the helicarrier. The most awesome but useless piece of military equipment ever shown in the history of movies. LOL
great eye candy but totally useless and impractical in real life (assuming the tech/finance is there to build one)

 

[port_08]

yes the helicarrier. The most awesome but useless piece of military equipment ever shown in the history of movies. LOL
great eye candy but totally useless and impractical in real life (assuming the tech/finance is there to build one)

The helicarrier can avoid torpedoes by flying above water. It can fly inland and over shallow water/reef and cross land borders. There is no barrier water or land a hellicarrier can't go...