CV-18 Fujian/003 CATOBAR carrier thread

[by78]

A new compact tow tractor for carrier-based aircraft. It features a 'rod-less' design. Compared to existing tow tractors that connects to an aircraft using a tow rod (2nd image), this new tractor locks onto an aircraft by its nose gear via a locking mechanism built directly into the tractor's body, thereby saving space and greatly reducing turning circle. This is expected to increase aircraft dispatch rate.

 

[TK3600]

From the way things look almost everything is installed. The rest is a matter of testing.

 

[Helius]

A new compact tow tractor for carrier-based aircraft. It features a 'rod-less' design. Compared to existing tow tractors that connects to an aircraft using a tow rod (2nd image), this new tractor locks onto an aircraft by its nose gear via a locking mechanism built directly into the tractor's body, thereby saving space and greatly reducing turning circle. This is expected to increase aircraft dispatch rate.

View attachment 112808

Think these are already in use, at least on the 075 -

 

[Cuthalin]

I hope the rumor is not (over and over again) made due to July 1st for celebration of party birth day.

Not within the domestic PLA watching crowd, which has long acknowledged PLA doesn’t do stuff by memorial dates, except for the “Taiwan Schedule”. It’s only the western observers that keep spouting the same shit over and over based on their religious delusions that China has an inclination for special dates because China “is unlike us”.

 

[by78]

Satellite images from late April.

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

Satellite images from late April.

Will the weapons and sensor platforms be installed onboard Fujian before she begins her first sea trial?

 

[by78]

Will the weapons and sensor platforms be installed onboard Fujian before she begins her first sea trial?

The first trial will likely be focused on her propulsion and seakeeping, so it's not necessary to have weapons and sensors fully functioning at that time.

 

[Blitzo]

The first trial will likely be focused on her propulsion and seakeeping, so it's not necessary to have weapons and sensors fully functioning at that time.

However if past fitting out/sea trial practice is done, it is likely that sensors and weapons will be fitted out prior to its first sea trial.

 

[by78]

A satellite image from late April. This is the same as a recently posted image, but without the overlaying texts and labels obstructing the image.

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

Latest update from @还是捣蛋 (formerly @捣蛋就捣蛋) on Weibo:

"Black stain/soot visible on the chimney of CV-18 Fujian. Large amounts of heated (gas/vapor?) appear above the chimney..."