PLAN Carrier Strike Group and Airwing

Re: PLAN Carrier Construction

If the rumor that China's first domestic carrier being based on the Liaoning is true, then one should expect the new carrier to be similar size. That means the widest part of the flight deck should be 70 m in width. The module in the pictures was said to be only 51 m in width, and I believe this further enforces the idea that the module will not be part of an actual carrier.

I also think it makes sense that the section is 2:3 scaled as some rumors have claimed. For one, a smaller section is cheaper. For another, a mock up of the actual design would reveal too much too soon. So, I am convinced that what we are seeing is merely a test section.

Re: PLAN Carrier Construction

On the other hand, the module doesn't look like the flight deck has been attached yet.

Re: PLAN Carrier Construction

Today's China Military Review pronouncement about the construction at Changxing Island could be the first "semi-official," type indication that the vessel and structures we see there at Changxing Island are in fact a PLAN LHA.

If so, then the shadows were not playing games on us. Here is what I have come up with to explain what we are seeing.


From this, it is clear to me that the PLAN is constructing its first large LHA Vessel there at Changxing Island, probably in the 35-40,000 ton range. From the photo, it may well be that what we are seeing there in the lower left, could in fact be the second such vessel under construction.

Re: Aircraft Carriers II

Just to get it recorded here as well, today's China Military Review pronouncement about the construction at Changxing Island could be the first "semi-official," type indication that the vessel and structures we see there at Changxing Island is in fact a PLAN LHA.

If so, then the shadows were not playing games on us. Here is what I have come up with to explain what we are seeing.


From this, it is clear to me that the PLAN is constructing its first large LHA Vessel there at Changxing Island, probably in the 35-40,000 ton range. From the photo, it may well be that what we are seeing there in the lower left, could in fact be the second such vessel under construction.

Re: PLAN Carrier Construction

The one for foreign bid (forgot how that Turkey tender turned out) or domestic market?

Re: PLAN Carrier Construction

MwRYum said:

The one for foreign bid (forgot how that Turkey tender turned out) or domestic market?

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I believe they are in fact constructing two vessels there and that they are both for the PLAN.

Re: Aircraft Carriers II

The JMSDF DDH22 is nearing a launch date..

The naming and launching ceremony of latest aircraft carrier-class destroyer “22DDH” will be held at Yokohama on Aug. 6, 2013. “22DDH" is a light aircraft carrier under the name of building "helicopter carrier". It's Japan's new generation helicopter destroyer. The Japanese helicopter carrier can be seen at the pictures.

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Credit to Jeff Head. Jeff photo-shopped

this photo some years ago after the announcement of the JMSDF DDH22

Re: Aircraft Carriers II

bd popeye said:

The JMSDF DDH22 is nearing a launch date..

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That's a GREAT new pic, Popeye!

It shows clearly some of the differences. The additional width of the flight deck. The two aft sponsons for weaponry instead of the single one on the Hyuga Class.

The island also differs somewhat, though the basic shape is the same. She is going to have two RAM launchers with 42 total missiles, and two 20mm Phalanx CIWS.

She is going to be a nice vessel, and as you say, should be launched soon. They will build a second one of these...then potentially be on to their 26DDH vessels which may be purpose built for STOVL aircraft.

Re: PLAN Carrier Construction

Interesting, though even if the flight deck was included on the satellite picture in March, it would be the world's largest LHD, probably exceeding even the Charles De Gaulle in size.

Re: PLAN Carrier Construction

CSIC suspended trading on 16 May and .......

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No doubt CSIC continues to sell ships and buy steel but to JDW the only trading is share trading.