A new photos surfaced online showing Chinese J-35 medium size stealth fighter onboard the type 003 aircraft carrier, Fujian.
This is most likely a mock up of the J-35 fighter for deck and hangar testing. The J-35 is believed to be still under flight trials and cannot be formally deployed on this latest Chinese aircraft carrier. And the carrier is not in the status accepting actual fixed wing aircraft yet.
Importantly the photo also shows a test vehicle for the electromagnetic catapult of the carrier Fujian. This vehicle has been launched a few times by the catapult. It proves China is now the second country in the world to operate this type of carrier catapult.
The J-35 is the latest Chinese fighter jet being tested at the moment, it will significantly improve Chinese carrier battle group’s capability. A major improvement comparing the current J-15 fighter fleet.
Another photo taken from airliners flying above shanghai shipyard shows a better view of the carrier Fujian. The deck surface appears to be paved again.
And jet engine exhaust reflectors are in action.
Also we can clearly seen elevators are moved to hangar level.
Engine exhausts built into the bridge are ready after a few rounds of preparation.
Landing arrest cables are installed. The carrier Fujian adopts electromagnetic arresting system, which is also second in the world.
State media broadcasted a short clip the carrier was moved in the shipyard. At this stage the carrier Fujian is almost complete and getting ready for sea trial. This might occur in two to three months time.
One key aircraft onboard the Fujian would be KJ-600 early warning and control aircraft. A new photo shows it is still busy with test flights.
Also in the deck operation simulation facility, the research team is using KJ-600, J-35 and J-15 fighter mock ups to test all aspects of deck operations.
It is widely believed the aircraft carrier Fujian will be handed over to Chinese Navy around end of this year.
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