Technological breakthroughs on China's domestic aircraft carriers

Heavy-duty gas turbine engines and multi-array AESA radars are new technologies applied by China on the Type-002 aircraft carrier.

The CGT-60F engine is expected to be used on the Type-002 aircraft carrier. Photo: Weibo.

China is developing its second-generation aircraft carrier, the Type-002, with a displacement of 70,000 tons and the use of catapults, allowing it to operate aircraft larger than fighters. This is a sign of new breakthroughs in Beijing's aircraft carrier construction technology, according to Popsci.

CGT-60F gas turbine engine

Military experts Jeffrey Lin and PW Singer believe that Type-002 will use the CGT-60F gas turbine engine with a capacity of up to 308,000 horsepower. This is an engine designed by Beijing with good cooling and heat regulation capacity, two factors especially important for large turbines.

The command tower of the Type-002 model is being modified. Photo: Sina.

The large size and power of the CGT-60F suggest that it will be fitted to China's future large warships. The Type-002 is one of the most logical candidates for this engine.

New type AESA radar

The Wuhan-based Type 002 aircraft carrier is undergoing a modification of its command tower to accommodate new electronic systems. The tower has been upgraded with additional floors and new Type 346x active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, similar to the Type 001A aircraft carrier. The Type 002 also has a smaller AESA radar cluster added above the Type 346 transceivers.

The Type-002's command tower will likely feature a multi-array AESA radar system, similar to the radar mast on the Type-055 destroyer. These can be used for guidance and fire control, allowing the Type-002 to connect with missiles launched from aircraft and other ships.

J-15B fighter

China is testing its catapult system at Huangdicun. Earlier this summer, a J-15T carrier-based fighter jet took off from a land-based electromagnetic launch system (EMALS) and a new steam catapult. With continued testing and training, pilots and crew aboard the Type 002 will quickly adapt to complex operations once the ship enters service.

J-15T fighter jet practices taking off with EMALS. Photo: Popsci.

In addition, a J-15 fighter with serial number 111 appeared with an underbelly refueling device in July 2017. This device will help J-15s increase their range and operating time compared to the present without having to invest in specialized refueling aircraft.

J-31 stealth fighter

The second prototype of the J-31 stealth fighter has conducted more test flights, the most recent on July 25. Shenyang Aircraft Corporation may soon build a third J-31 prototype capable of operating from aircraft carriers.

The J-31 series features stealth capabilities and improved avionics. The mass-production version will be equipped with WS-17 engines, allowing it to fly supersonic without turning on fuel-consuming boost mode.

According to VNE