Intrepid
Major
In order to be able to compare it, here is an explanation of how take-offs and landings on an US aircraft carrier are handled:
CV-16 Liaoning (001 carrier) Thread II ...News, Views and operations
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
- Status
Thanks for sharing this document. The acquisition and hardship history of China's Liaoning aircraft carrier is breadth-taking, from start to finish; all the twists and turns not to mention the costs and delays were overcome by the devoted Chinese people. China is proud of her success.
Last edited:
Given the likely ongoing limited number of aircraft carriers (out to 2035 as an example), it is more likely that the Navy will maintain PLANS 16 Liaoning and 17 Shandong as operational out to the medium term rather than dispose of them.
The Navy has demonstrated that it can well maintain its vessels, and that it is prepared to invest significant resources to upgrade vessels. Sometimes these are only minor upgrades, other times they are very significant.
As long as Liaoning and Shandong can remain operationally relevant, it is likely that resources will be allocated to maintain and improve their systems.
Given the nature of their propulsion systems, it is unlikely that the propulsion system will be significantly modified.
It is very likely that self-defence weapon systems will be updated, as well as sensors. While not inexpensive, these upgrades are unlikely to be structurally significant.
The remaining element of the aircraft carrier is its airwing. While it may be technically feasible for the Liaoning and Shandong to be fitted with catapults, it is likely to be expensive and not needed to maintain the ships as operationally relevant. It is very likely that the Z-18F ASW helicopters will be upgraded as required out to the medium term, and that the Z-18J AEW helicopters will remain capable in their role. Should the new naval stealth fighter be capable of operationally relevant performance off a ski jump launch, the Liaoning and Shandong may end up with greater capability than they currently have. There is also the possibility of stealthy UCAVs to operate off a ski jump launch. These last two factors could well play the major role in determining the longevity of Liaoning and Shandong in service.
Even without the capability of the CATOBAR carriers, Liaoning and Shandong should still be capable platforms across a number of roles, including: traditional aircraft carrier roles (that require less capability than a CATOBAR carrier), SSBN bastion defence, and ASW Task Force lead.
The Navy has demonstrated that it can well maintain its vessels, and that it is prepared to invest significant resources to upgrade vessels. Sometimes these are only minor upgrades, other times they are very significant.
As long as Liaoning and Shandong can remain operationally relevant, it is likely that resources will be allocated to maintain and improve their systems.
Given the nature of their propulsion systems, it is unlikely that the propulsion system will be significantly modified.
It is very likely that self-defence weapon systems will be updated, as well as sensors. While not inexpensive, these upgrades are unlikely to be structurally significant.
The remaining element of the aircraft carrier is its airwing. While it may be technically feasible for the Liaoning and Shandong to be fitted with catapults, it is likely to be expensive and not needed to maintain the ships as operationally relevant. It is very likely that the Z-18F ASW helicopters will be upgraded as required out to the medium term, and that the Z-18J AEW helicopters will remain capable in their role. Should the new naval stealth fighter be capable of operationally relevant performance off a ski jump launch, the Liaoning and Shandong may end up with greater capability than they currently have. There is also the possibility of stealthy UCAVs to operate off a ski jump launch. These last two factors could well play the major role in determining the longevity of Liaoning and Shandong in service.
Even without the capability of the CATOBAR carriers, Liaoning and Shandong should still be capable platforms across a number of roles, including: traditional aircraft carrier roles (that require less capability than a CATOBAR carrier), SSBN bastion defence, and ASW Task Force lead.
Hendrik_2000
Lieutenant General
New Video Female helicopter support crew and couple of landing shots
A real shot of a female crew member of the Liaoning ship flying a certain type of helicopter, revealing the seven-color "rainbow suit" moving on the deck of an aircraft carrier
A real shot of a female crew member of the Liaoning ship flying a certain type of helicopter, revealing the seven-color "rainbow suit" moving on the deck of an aircraft carrier
Last edited:
There are useful traditional carrier roles CV-16 and CV-17 can play without ever having catapults, even after newer catapult equipped carriers are deployed in numbers.
1. they could become dedicated platforms for combat air patrol over the fleet. defensive fighters don’t need to be heavily loaded so could readily be operated by a carrier without catapults
2. they can become dedicated platforms for operating ASW helicopters.
1. they could become dedicated platforms for combat air patrol over the fleet. defensive fighters don’t need to be heavily loaded so could readily be operated by a carrier without catapults
2. they can become dedicated platforms for operating ASW helicopters.
Intrepid
Major
The question is whether these tasks can not be better fulfilled with new ships and fewer crews.
And no, we don't answer this question in the forum. We will get the answer in ten or twenty years from knowing how long Liaoning and Shandong have been in service without upgrading.
Hendrik_2000
Lieutenant General
New video from Liaoning on the occasion of 72nd anniversary of the founding of PRC
Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning celebrates China's National Day
On the arrival of 's National Day in October, crew members of the Chinese aircraft carrier celebrated the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Since the ship was never operational before becoming the Liaoning, I don't think it had any problems except superficial rust. I think it still has at least 25 years of life.
- Status