China’s Fujian Aircraft Carrier Is A Joke! A Smoky Imitation Show With a Repair Tug in Tow - YouTube
Summary
The Fujian, China PLAN's new aircraft carrier, recently had its maiden sea trial but faced numerous issues, raising doubts about its capabilities and readiness. Despite its superficial resemblance to American carriers, the Fujian suffers from poor performance, technical challenges, and quality concerns.
Key points:
1. The Fujian emitted thick black smoke during sea trials, indicating engine and fuel quality issues. It also required a tugboat escort, suggesting potential propulsion problems.
2. Construction took longer than expected, and the Fujian may not be commissioned until 2027 or later due to possible design flaws and the need for upgrades.
3. The Fujian's design is comparable to the Kitty Hawk-class carriers, highlighting China's technological gap with the US Navy.
4. The carrier's electromagnetic catapults and early warning aircraft (KJ-600) are believed to be inferior to their American counterparts.
5. Chinese carrier pilots lack the flexibility and adaptability of US pilots, who can easily transfer between carriers as needed.
6. The command structure of Chinese carrier strike groups is bureaucratic and less efficient than the US Navy's dynamic leadership.
7. China struggles to replicate the seamless coordination and joint operations demonstrated by the US military across all branches.
Overall, while China is making progress in developing its carrier fleet, the Fujian's performance during sea trials exposes significant limitations and challenges that may hinder its combat readiness and effectiveness compared to US carriers.
Transcript
Here is the transcript with cleaned up formatting, punctuation and grammar:
The Fujian aircraft carrier recently had its maiden sea trial, but its performance was disappointing. Billowing black smoke made it seem like a return to the steam age. Many netizens laughed, asking if it was imitating the Titanic or using some substandard fuel. Even more startling was the fact that the new carrier needed a tugboat to accompany it. Netizens joked, "Is the carrier underpowered and ready to break down at any moment? Has the mighty carrier fallen to the level of an outdated fishing boat, needing a repairman on standby?" How embarrassing! This highlights the poor performance and power system of the Fujian. If it were to break down during a real battle, the consequences would be dire.
The construction process of the Fujian was also fraught with difficulties. It took 23 months from launch to its maiden voyage, nearly double the time it took for the Shandong carrier. Various signs indicate that technical challenges and quality issues plagued its construction. In contrast, the Fujian took only 19 months from maiden voyage to commissioning. Based on this, the Fujian sea trials will likely take even longer.
Unlike the 002 carrier which copied Russian designs, the Fujian mainly borrowed from American carriers, except for its power system. Initial imitation is inevitably challenging, and optimistically, the Fujian might not be officially commissioned until 2027, assuming everything goes smoothly. If unexpected issues arise, such as design flaws requiring a return to the shipyard, the commissioning could be further delayed. Even after the Fujian is commissioned, it will take time to achieve full combat capability. Copying the exterior design is relatively easy, but mastering the core technologies takes time. Some even doubt if the Fujian will ever achieve full combat capability, potentially becoming a museum carrier for display only.
During its maiden sea trial, the Fujian needs to thoroughly test the boiler and main engine operations, evaluating whether the power output meets the electrical needs of the onboard systems. Additionally, the sealing performance of the propeller and transmission shaft must be tested to ensure they can withstand sea conditions. As a modern carrier, a reliable power supply system is crucial. The entire ship's electrical network, from generators to outlets, needs to be checked for potential faults. Critical components, such as the main engine, shaft system, and steering gear, must also undergo performance tests under various conditions.
During the sea trial, the Fujian flew an "18" flag, indicating it was drifting. This means it tried to anchor but failed, causing the ship to drift in the waves. This suggests possible issues - either the anchor wasn't strong enough, the crew mishandled the anchoring, or the ship itself had problems. Each scenario exposes potential design, construction, and operational flaws.
Moreover, turning the Fujian is another issue. When it turns, it leaves a long trail. This is not a good sign at all. It seems its maneuverability is poor, and any mistake can result in fishtailing. Unlike cars, where fishtailing might not be a big deal, a ship fishtailing for several hundred meters can cause serious collisions with any following ships. On a battlefield, if enemy submarines see this, they wouldn't hesitate to launch torpedoes. Any fleet formation would be instantly broken up. In comparison, the US Navy's carrier fleet moves in perfect unison. The Roosevelt, for instance, turns like a top with a tight, graceful curve. Fujian's turning performance is, at best, third-rate and far from combat-ready standards. The USRC-135 reconnaissance aircraft can easily observe its speed, turning angles, and stopping distances. This isn't something that can be fixed with just a few sea trials; it requires comprehensive upgrades in design concepts, power systems, and control technologies. The US Navy's century-long experience with carriers isn't something that can be quickly replicated.
Additionally, observant fishermen noticed that during its sea trial, the Fujian's speed was only around 10 knots, and it emitted thick black smoke. One fisherman took some photos that quickly went viral online. Even Google AI commented, saying that the smoke was thick, dark, and extended for several hundred meters. The smoke came from burning cheap, heavy oil, which is sticky and doesn't burn cleanly, much like firewood.
Why does the 003 carrier emit black smoke? According to netizens, the generators are poorly made, with weld seams that can fit a toothpick in. In rough seas, the carrier shakes, and the advanced technology onboard might fail at any moment, leaving the ship dead in the water. In contrast, the US Navy achieved nuclear power last century, allowing months-long voyages without issue. The Fujian still relies on supply ships for support, making spontaneous long-distance travel impossible. Chinese netizens mockingly say that with its constant black smoke, even Arleigh Burke-class destroyers of the US Navy would need gas masks when passing by. J-15 pilots would find their faces covered in black dust upon opening their eyes. How can this carrier be combat-ready? It would be less embarrassing to rebuild it entirely.
The fisherman estimated that the 003's carrier speed was only about 10 knots, indicating incomplete combustion at normal speed due to poor fuel quality and inadequately maintained engines. This highlights China's issues with the production and use of heavy fuel oil, ultimately reflecting inadequate industrial technology.
A Ph.D. in Marine Engineering noted that the steam turbine technology used by the Fujian for boiling water originates from Japanese and American patents, not China. This makes it susceptible to supply chain disruptions, as 40% of the parts come from Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea. The system is provided by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsuru Shipyard, and Newport News Shipbuilding, with even the screws on the deck from Kobe Steel in Japan.
Even more absurdly, while the Fujian's engines are belching black smoke, its electromagnetic catapults require a significant amount of power. If the power supply is insufficient, the intervals between launches will lengthen, making the takeoff frequency similar to that of the Liaoning, taking 5 to 6 minutes to launch a single plane. In a fleet with 10 aircraft, by the time the last one is airborne, the first would be almost out of fuel. This would undoubtedly lead to missed combat opportunities. Looking at the US Navy's Nimitz-class carriers, their efficiency is remarkable, launching aircraft rapidly in a battle scenario. While US jets are already engaging, China's planes would still be queuing on the deck. At this pace, China would lose half the battle before it even starts.
Despite the resemblance, China's carriers modeled after American ones fall short in appearance. Chinese netizens comment that although the Fujian resembles the Ford-class carrier, it feels odd, especially the island, which looks disproportionate to the hull, giving an awkward appearance. In contrast, the US Ford class looks sleek and sophisticated. It's even funnier that despite the Fujian's displacement being less than that of the Ford class, it has a draft over 3 meters deeper. This indicates inferior technology, as a shallower draft with the same displacement suggests superior shipbuilding. In shallow waters, the Ford class can navigate effortlessly, while the Fujian might run aground.
The deck's three electromagnetic catapult lines are painted white, looking hastily done, almost as if a temporary worker brushed them on. It's hard to associate this with a high-precision electromagnetic catapult system.
During its tests in the East China Sea, the Fujian was inadvertently photographed by passing ships, and the photos were posted online. It was revealed that the Eastern Theater Command dispatched the Hangzhou, a Sovremenny-class destroyer brought in from Russia in the late 1990s, to accompany the Fujian. Some speculate this is a way for the Eastern Theater Command to plead for more modern ships from President Xi Jinping, as they currently lack advanced vessels like the Type 055 destroyer, having only received a few outdated Type 052C destroyers.
Although this has an imposing appearance comparable to American supercarriers, a deeper analysis reveals that it is still based on the Soviet-class framework. To use a car analogy, the Fujian is like a BYD Han EV, which outwardly competes with the likes of Mercedes, BMW, and Audi, but its chassis remains akin to an old Toyota Camry - a superficial upgrade without fundamental improvements. Despite the installation of electromagnetic catapults, the deck layout remains outdated, reminiscent of the steam era. The jet blast deflector is awkwardly positioned in front of the elevator, similar to the issues faced by the USS Kitty Hawk, the last conventionally powered carrier the US commissioned 60 years ago.
Many netizens say that the Fujian is essentially a copy of the Kitty Hawk. In fact, from various aspects, the design concept of the Fujian 003 carrier closely resembles or is even inferior to that of the Kitty Hawk-class carriers that entered service over 60 years ago. The Kitty Hawk class was retired 15 years ago, and the Enterprise began service even earlier, highlighting China's gap in aircraft carrier technology.
In terms of propulsion, the Kitty Hawk class could reach a top speed of 33 knots, while the Fujian only manages 30 knots, falling short of American carriers from six decades ago. Although the Fujian incorporates new technologies like electromagnetic catapults, its overall ship design and operational capabilities are comparable to the Kitty Hawk class at best. When compared to the Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered carrier with steam catapults, the Fujian's overall performance is slightly inferior. Its island structure retains a typical Soviet-style layout, making it effectively an upgraded Kuznetsov with electromagnetic catapults, and its aircraft sortie rate is likely only at the level of the Forrestal class.
Calculations show that the deck triangle area of the Fujian is smaller than both the Kitty Hawk and Nimitz classes, comparable to the Forrestal class. This means the deck layout and aircraft handling capabilities of the Fujian are, at best, on par with the Forrestal class - far from the Kitty Hawk class, which could accommodate up to 80 aircraft. The J-15, being one of the largest carrier-based aircraft today, requires significant deck space for arming with wings extended, further reducing the usable deck area and lowering aircraft sortie efficiency. The J-15, the largest carrier-based aircraft in service, needs to extend its wings to load armaments fully, taking up more deck space. In contrast, American carrier-based aircraft like the F/A-18E/F can be armed with wings folded. These subtle differences add up, and there are many more such details that won't be listed here.
Previously, some Chinese enthusiasts boasted that the Fujian would eventually be equipped with a KJ-600 early warning aircraft, claiming its radar is superior to the American E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. These claims show a lack of understanding of the sophistication of the American APY-9 radar. The APY-9 isn't just a regular mechanical scanner but a combination of electronic and mechanical scanning with front and rear radar arrays providing 360-degree coverage as it rotates. An APY-9 has three operating modes:
1. The AAS (All Aspect Surveillance) mode provides 360-degree uniform scanning, covering all air and sea targets.
2. The ESS (Enhanced Sector Scan) mode focuses on a specific sector, balancing range and accuracy.
3. The ETSS (Electronic Targeting Surveillance) mode stops mechanical scanning to focus on electronic scanning, locking onto specific targets without losing sight.
These advanced capabilities of the APY-9 radar system far surpass what is currently available on the Fujian's planned KJ-600, illustrating another significant gap in technological prowess.
The coordination of US aircraft carriers is impressive, with two E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes often flying together, one responsible for broad surveillance and the other focusing on specific targets. This combination of electronic and mechanical scanning might not be as flashy as a fixed three-sided radar, but it's the best choice for carrier-based early warning aircraft.
On the other hand, the Chinese KJ-600 might have an imposing radar, but its engines are underwhelming. It uses two outdated WJ-6C turboprop engines, which are vastly inferior to the E-2D's T56 engines. The KJ-600 struggles with loitering time and combat radius, and even powering the radar can be problematic. Even if it's equipped with active phased array radar, it might only run for a few minutes before shutting down due to power issues. The radar dome of the KJ-600 prototype features a two-tone paint job, suggesting a combination of electronic and mechanical scanning modes. There's much speculation about the radar it houses - some say it has an S-band for long-range detection, a UHF band for stealth detection, and a C-band for guiding HQ-9 missiles. However, cramming this makeshift dual-band radar into a space-constrained early warning aircraft could be problematic.
The Chinese aircraft carrier fleet is gradually taking shape, but their approach of copying still lacks the soul of originality. The real differences will show in combat. US carrier strike groups are highly flexible; they might mix and match different ships - a carrier here, a few destroyers there, and a supply ship from another group - to form an effective task force. This modular approach allows them to adapt to different missions quickly. The Chinese Navy is trying to emulate this ability. The Liaoning might sail with a Type 055 destroyer one time, a Type 052 the next time, and perhaps a Type 054 or 056 another time. However, one aspect the Chinese Navy can't replicate is the US approach to pilots.
American carrier pilots are like knights, moving between carriers as needed. If a carrier needs more pilots, they can fly over from another. Chinese carrier pilots, however, are tied to their specific carriers. Liaoning pilots stay on Liaoning, and Shandong pilots stay on Shandong. The Liaoning is a refitted old ship, and the Shandong is brand new, with significant differences inside and out. The Fujian, using new catapult technology, is unfamiliar to these pilots. In a war, if a US carrier loses aircraft, pilots from other carriers can continue the fight. But if a Chinese carrier loses its aircraft, it would have to retreat to port. Despite the impressive appearance of Chinese carrier strike groups, their flexibility is lacking compared to the US Navy. The difference in adaptability would be stark in a combat situation.
The US Navy's carrier strike groups, although consisting of around 7,000 to 8,000 personnel, are effectively run by about 70 key individuals. These people are the brains of the operation, with the Composite Warfare Commander (CWC) at the helm. Under the CWC are various deputies, including the Air Warfare Commander, Surface Warfare Commander, an Electronic Warfare Commander, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Commander, plus a host of coordinating staff, making up this crucial team of 70. These key leaders can be deployed to take charge immediately, gaining control of the situation as soon as they step aboard. However, they aren't all clustered on the carrier - that would be too risky if targeted by missiles. Instead, they are spread across different ships, ensuring that not all eggs are in one basket.
The Air Warfare Commander typically stays on a Ticonderoga-class cruiser, which is well equipped with advanced radar and missiles, ideal for commanding air operations. The Anti-Submarine Warfare Commander prefers the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which boast top-notch anti-submarine equipment. As for the CWC, they settle wherever is most comfortable, not necessarily staying on the carrier.
Some people fantasize about taking out a US carrier with a couple of missiles, expecting the strike group to fall into chaos, but this is wishful thinking. The US Navy has multiple backup plans, and if one commander is taken out, another from a nearby ship immediately takes over. This is a multi-redundant leadership structure, making it resilient to decapitation strikes.
Training these commanders isn't the hardest part; with effort, training a few dozen people is manageable. The real challenge lies in achieving seamless coordination across the entire military, ensuring that all branches work together without any hiccups.
Last August, the US conducted a series of joint exercises in the Indo-Pacific with all five branches participating. The Marine Corps' Littoral Regiment was the first to engage, with F-35Bs hovering overhead and V-22 Osprey ferrying Marines to the island. The Navy and Air Force then continuously supplied personnel and equipment to the island, rapidly transforming it into a fully functional forward base with anti-submarine, air defense, and anti-ship capabilities. Next, the Air Force's B-1B bombers entered the fray, launching aggressive strikes under the cover of carrier-based aircraft, showcasing impressive might.
The Chinese Navy envies this level of interservice cooperation but struggles to replicate it effectively. Their attempts often fall short, resembling a poor imitation rather than achieving the desired efficiency and coordination. In the recent joint exercises, the first couple of days saw missile units, Air Force bombers, and Navy destroyers and frigates taking turns showcasing their capabilities around Taiwan. It was quite a spectacle. However, during the 2022 exercises around Taiwan, the Rocket Force stumbled when their Dongfeng missiles strayed into Japanese waters. This time, they resorted to animations to illustrate the strike effects. Meanwhile, the Shandong carrier strike group only showed up on the last day, making a brief appearance east of Taiwan to practice takeoffs and landings. There was no sign of coordination with other branches throughout the exercise; each branch operated sequentially, never concurrently.
On the battlefield, the command structure of the Chinese carrier strike groups is overly cumbersome and bureaucratic, unlike the flexible and dynamic leadership of the US Navy. In the People
Smooth sailing for China’s Fujian carrier as it finishes first sea trial
China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, finished a smooth eight-day maiden sea trial and returned to Shanghai’s Jiangnan shipyard on Wednesday, according to official news agency Xinhua.
The aircraft carrier completed tests of its power and electrical systems and achieved “the expected results” during its first trial, the news agency said.
There were no tests directly related to the carrier’s cutting-edge electromagnetic catapult system carried out during the trial.
The Fujian, launched in June 2022, is China’s first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, which will enable the vessel to launch aircraft more frequently.
The vessel’s first sea trial was longer than those of its predecessors, the Liaoning and the Shandong aircraft carriers. The Liaoning took five days and the Shandong took six days to complete their maiden exercises.
“The length of the first trial is normal, and it shows that no major issues came up,” said Yue Gang, a retired People’s Liberation Army colonel, adding that “if a major problem arose, the military would likely have made the carrier return earlier than scheduled”.
Describing the power system as the “heart” of the aircraft carrier, Yue said checking power and electricity were in line with the typical trial process.
“If the power system is substandard and the pitfalls are not addressed, a later trial may be affected, or the test results might not be accurate,” he said.
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China’s other commissioned aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, completed 10 and nine trials respectively over the course of a year before they were put into service.
The retired PLA colonel said Fujian’s testing process would be similar, while its electromagnetic launch catapults – a feature that has received much international attention – would be tested during the middle of the process, probably the third to the fifth trial.
He added that the carrier would complete a total of eight or nine trials over a year.
02:17
China airs footage of Fujian aircraft carrier featuring advanced catapult launch system
China airs footage of Fujian aircraft carrier featuring advanced catapult launch system
Yue explained that successful launching of the catapults demanded working power generation, energy storage, electromagnetic systems, and command systems, so tests of most of the carrier’s core operational systems had to be completed first.
The Fujian is China’s third aircraft carrier and the first built to a domestic design. The PLA aims to have six carriers in total by 2035, which would make it the world’s second-biggest blue-water navy after the US.
Observers of China’s military and shipbuilding industry have speculated about whether the PLA will use nuclear power for its fourth carrier, but Beijing has not outlined its plans
Yue said that since China had achieved electromagnetic catapult launch capability, the next carrier was likely to make progress on nuclear power – an advancement he described as a “bigger step” than the catapult system.
The USS Gerald R. Ford – the world’s only other aircraft carrier with an electromagnetic catapult system – was commissioned in 2017 but did not depart on its first deployment until 2022.
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