.....A big cruiser is probably a good idea for PLAN. Probably better then a big CV at this point. If you couple the idea of local needs in the theater, a cruiser like Italian Vittorio Veneto, although much larger, with VLS and CIWS updates, could perform a lot of missions. And although the current batch of reactors are too small, a group of them coupled with an av gas turbine could provide a good propulsion system. Further, such a design would make a great main escort for an eventual CVBG. I'd definitely look at a capable shore bombardment system for it though. Either as a function of a large gun, or VLS tube missiles....
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Nuclear powered guided missile battlecruiser
- Thread starter montyp165
- Start date
Pointblank
Senior Member
I don't think anybody is arguing that the first PLAN carriers would be comparable to the current U.S. state-of-the-art. That would be an unfair comparison.
But the discussion was about whether or not the Chinese could design and build a decent large nuclear powered surface vessel. If you think the original Nimitz (c. 1975) was a decent vessel, then I think it's reasonable to say that PLAN could build something comparable today.
For another data point... I did a bit of Googling and found that the Nimitz was launched about 20 years after the first U.S. nuclear sub. If the Chinese launch their carrier in 2010 then 40 years will have elapsed since their first nuclear sub. Obviously the Chinese have had the Cultural Revolution and basic lack of resources to cope with during much of that time, but still, 40 years is a long time for technology to mature.
You forgot the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). Laid down in February of 1958, less than 6 years after the first nuclear powered sub.
AmiGanguli
Junior Member
Indeed - I forgot about the Enterprise. I suppose that reinforces my argument that China has had lots of time to work out the basic technology, but slightly undercuts my idea that you the Nimitz was built with little experience in designing ships of that size.