China’s new aircraft carrier could be 339 metres long — South China Morning Post
Construction of a new aircraft carrier is underway at a shipyard in Dalian, China. According to Janes’ assessment based on satellite imagery, it may be between 336 and 339 metres long. This roughly corresponds to the dimensions of the US USS Gerald R. Ford, whose length Janes estimates at about 333 metres, the South China Morning Post reports.
Images taken on September 4 indicate that work has begun on the ship’s bulbous bow. Beijing has not disclosed the vessel’s official designation, dimensions, type of propulsion system, or capabilities. Analysts, however, conventionally refer to it as Type 004.
Larger than Fujian
According to Janes, the new ship may be about 20 metres longer than Fujian, China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, which, according to the publication, was commissioned last November. Lyle Goldstein, director of the Asia Program at Defence Priorities, suggested that a ship of this size could carry or support the operation of around 75–90 aircraft. He estimated Fujian’s capacity at 50–60 aircraft.
An anonymous analyst familiar with the development of the Chinese navy cautioned against overstating the difference in length. At the same time, a larger hull could provide more space for hangars and aircraft. In his view, a nuclear propulsion system, if used, would be more important in assessing the fleet’s operational range than a moderate increase in hull length.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Possible nuclear propulsion and support ships
Janes noted that the ship’s dimensions reinforce earlier indications that it may use nuclear propulsion. Goldstein assessed this conclusion as likely correct. According to him, even a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier requires regular supplies to support its air wing and escorting destroyers, including fuel and ammunition.
In July, satellite imagery showed a large fast combat support ship under construction at the Comec Longxue shipyard near Guangzhou. It is estimated to be about 271 metres long and 37 metres wide. Janes later reported that the vessel was launched between July 9 and 12.
Images dated September 15 and published by an open-source analyst may also indicate that a second vessel of the same design is being assembled at the same shipyard. The South China Morning Post said it could not independently verify this assessment. The first vessel was previously assessed as a larger variant of China’s Type 901 fast supply ship, likely intended to support more advanced aircraft carriers and their battle groups.
