Where as a CATOBAR F/A-18 might in a pinch launch with full internal fuel, defensive AAW ordinance, and a significant A2G ordinance, I suspect Su-33/J-15 in CATOBAR mode can't.
It's not a special event when when a Hornet launches with a full load.
It wasn't that long ago when some people boldly proclaimed that it will take years and many deaths before China can successfully trap an aircraft on a carrier. China performed successful traps and more within a year.
The tempo of operations aboard CV-16 is at a very, very slow pace. Making it a much safer environment to operate on a flight deck...three aircraft does not make an air wing.
At the pace the PLAN is proceeding it will be years before their carrier force is fully operational.
Honestly I'd like to see the PLAN step up their operational tempo aboard CV-16 a bit... and maintain there margin of safety.
The J-15s are not painted in PLAN colors as they are prototypes undergoing experiments. As part of those experiments, the PLAN will need to verify the maximum load at which the J-15 can safely takeoff. This means those dummy ordinances must have equal weight to their real life counterparts, or those experiments as well as trainings will be completely meaningless. There is no assumption here, as it is simply common sense.
Exactly..
well stated.
For clarification..
ordinance = an authoritative decree or direction : a law set forth by a governmental authority; specifically : a municipal regulation
ordnance = military supplies including weapons, ammunition, armor, vehicles, etc.