PLAN Carrier Strike Group and Airwing

Re: Latest Varyag Pics

tphuang said:

the Australians knew PLAN was test installing sensors on Varyag or something like that.

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Well, here's a later pic of the Varyag, from March of this year, that I had not seen before. It shows the non-skid surface primer, but from a different angle and with a lot of activity seeming to go on on the flight deck.

Popeye, tphuang, others...what do you think?

Re: Latest Varyag Pics

Jeff, sorry - I can't see the pic

stop, wait, now I got it ...

Re: Latest Varyag Pics

Jeff Head wants to know;

Popeye, tphuang, others...what do you think?

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Ahhh..humm?? Looks like typical shipyard work to me. Not much diffrent from what I've seen in the past. Looks like they were working on the flight deck application of non-skid...Sorry nothing new here...

Re: Latest Varyag Pics

Jeff Head said:

Even with the slow porgress, we have seen a number of intriguing things happen with the Varyag over the last 12-18 months. Dry dock, new paint scheme in PLAN colors, the apparent non-skid zinc chromate surface (now seems to be painted over), etc. We shall just have to be patient I guess...though it is frustrating.

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But it's right out in the open for everyone to see. IMO if it was inside a giant building, or covered to conceal work, then it'd be really frustrating.

IMO it's near impossible for this ship to be fitted into an operational carrier by 2008 Olympics. The PLAAF has no carrier aircraft, and even if they purchase some today, it'd take time for delivery and training. I have a feeling that by 2008, it'd still be sitting at dock with everyone wondering what's up.

Re: Latest Varyag Pics

adeptitus said:

But it's right out in the open for everyone to see. IMO if it was inside a giant building, or covered to conceal work, then it'd be really frustrating.

IMO it's near impossible for this ship to be fitted into an operational carrier by 2008 Olympics. The PLAAF has no carrier aircraft, and even if they purchase some today, it'd take time for delivery and training. I have a feeling that by 2008, it'd still be sitting at dock with everyone wondering what's up.

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What's with the big fuss over coinciding the commissioning of the Varyag with the 2008 Olympics?

The PLAN has never been a participant in the PR frenzy in the past, and I don't see any reason for it to do so in the future. Personally, I find the PLAN's approach admirable: three new destroyer classes, the 054 and 054A, and the Yuan, with little or no fanfare. If it was the Indian Navy, the news of the commissionings would probably be all over the headlines.

Re: Latest Varyag Pics

I think you are underestimating the ability of the shipyard to complete the ship. She was 70% complete when delivered and the fitting out process for a ship of this size and type would normally last about three to four years. She doesn't have to be fully operational in time for the 2008 olympics, she just has to be seaworthy and at the end of her sea trials so she can look good for the cameras. Actual flying training would take place afterwards over a two to three year period. Much of the basic training for carrier ops can be carried out on land e.g. approach and dummy deck practice can be done without specially adapted (ie hooked) aircraft. Arrested landings can be practiced later when suitable aircraft are available. Similarly ski jump takeoffs can be practiced with a ramp built on land, by conventional aircraft. If the program is managed properly, the Varyag's new air group could be very experienced in naval operations before they ever go 'feet wet', at the very least well prepared for flying from the deck.

Re: Latest Varyag Pics

bd popeye said:

Looks like typical shipyard work to me. Not much diffrent from what I've seen in the past. Looks like they were working on the flight deck application of non-skid...Sorry nothing new here...

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Thanks Popeye..it was just the latest picture I have been able to find, supposedly dated March of this year.

I'd like to see others, and believe by now the non-skid surface should be completed, well beyond the primer stage. Just hoping for more pics and since this thread is about the "Latest Varyag Pics", this seems to be the latest I can find. I know its not much...but it's something and I will keep looking for more.

Re: Latest Varyag Pics

Obi Wan Russell said:

She doesn't have to be fully operational in time for the 2008 olympics, she just has to be seaworthy and at the end of her sea trials so she can look good for the cameras.

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Exactly. Those are right in line with my own thoughts. The PRC will garner and seek positive world opinion as long as it is in line with their own goals and interests...like any other major power. Getting as much positive exposure witht he launch and operation of their first carrier may line up with those interests. We shall see.

Obi Wan Russell said:

Actual flying training would take place afterwards over a two to three year period. Much of the basic training for carrier ops can be carried out on land e.g. approach and dummy deck practice can be done without specially adapted (ie hooked) aircraft. Arrested landings can be practiced later when suitable aircraft are available. Similarly ski jump takeoffs can be practiced with a ramp built on land, by conventional aircraft. If the program is managed properly, the Varyag's new air group could be very experienced in naval operations before they ever go 'feet wet', at the very least well prepared for flying from the deck.

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Again, spot on. My guess is that such training is already underway somewhere within the PRC, and perhaps in Russia and or Ukraine...or soon will be. But that's just my own opinion.

Re: Latest Varyag Pics

I think this is the lastest when it's taken near the 051C... as you can see 115 is almost completed and near that commision ceremony (which was in July)

Re: Latest Varyag Pics

swimmerXC said:

I think this is the lastest when it's taken near the 051C... as you can see 115 is almost completed and near that commision ceremony (which was in July)
[qimg]http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/3876/51c71606aoz9.jpg[/qimg]

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Is that the second 51C? When there were two along that pier? That pic does look like the Island is a little further along. Thanks.