From Henri K
I believe CV 17 will certainly be commissioned early in 2019 not late 2019
After 2 months at the quay, the 2ᵉ Chinese aircraft carrier goes back to the sea
BY
The 2nd and new Chinese aircraft carrier, docked for 63 days after its last outing, has left the berth of Dalian this Sunday, October 28 for its 3rd test campaign at sea.
Very early in the morning, journalists and amateurs, who had learned of this departure through a maritime notification from the local authorities, saw officers and sailors from the Chinese navy patrol the flight deck of this ship. 60,000 tonnes.
Nine tugs from the port service then gathered around the building to prepare for the exit. At 09:15, the metal bridge that connects the aircraft carrier and the pier was removed. Under the cannon and firecrackers that sounded around 10:05, the building, with its flags, slowly moved away from the port.
We do not know the exact program of this new release, but the content should respect in all cases the standard GJB-6850, which details in its 230 chapters all the evaluation procedures to be carried out to validate a warship whatever he is.
Knowing that the models of J-15, Z-9 and Z-18 boarded before the second test are still present, according to the amateur photos, it is plausible that the tests of different systems for aeronautical support will continue this time.
Note that the model of the J-15 in question is actually that of the electronic warfare version, with pods EW at the end of wings. This means that the Chinese navy does intend to equip aircraft specialized in electromagnetic warfare for its naval air force.
The platform that represents the J-15 is not ready to disappear for so early, contrary to what some "media" claim.
As for the area of this third test at sea, it is located at least 100 km southeast of the port of Dalian, almost the same as for the first and second tests. According to LN-0234 notification from the Liaoning Province Maritime Authorities, this no-go area will be closed for 10 days, similar to the previous exit.