China’s Copycat Carrier: A Failed Attempt at EMALS Technology

Summary

China's latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is facing significant delays due to technical challenges with its electromagnetic catapult-assisted launch system (EMALS), which is a less successful copy of the US technology.

Abstract

China's naval ambitions have hit a snag with the Fujian, its most advanced aircraft carrier equipped with EMALS technology, which has yet to commence sea trials despite expectations. The Fujian's EM

China has been boasting about its naval ambitions for years, but its latest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, seems to be stuck in the dock. The Fujian, also known as the 003 carrier, was launched in June 2022, but has not yet set out on its sea trials, despite expectations that it would do so by the end of 2022 or early 2023. What is holding back China’s naval pride and joy?

The Fujian is supposed to be China’s first aircraft carrier with an electromagnetic catapult-assisted launch system (EMALS), which allows faster and more efficient take-off and landing of aircraft. This technology is also used by the US Navy’s newest carriers, such as the USS Gerald R. Ford. However, unlike the US, which has decades of experience and expertise in developing and operating EMALS, China is trying to catch up by copying and reverse-engineering foreign technology, without much success.

According to some analysts, China’s EMALS is plagued by technical problems and reliability issues, which have delayed the Fujian’s sea trials and operational readiness. China’s EMALS is also different from the US version, which makes it harder to imitate or learn from. China’s EMALS uses a linear induction motor, which is more compact and energy-efficient, but also more complex and difficult to control. The US EMALS uses a linear synchronous motor, which is simpler and more proven, but also larger and more power-hungry.

China’s lack of innovation and originality is also evident in its next project, the 004 carrier, which is expected to be China’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. However, China has no experience in designing or building nuclear reactors for aircraft carriers, and has to rely on its existing land-based or submarine-based reactors, which may not be suitable or safe for carrier operations. Moreover, China has to integrate its EMALS with its nuclear power plant, which is a daunting challenge that even the US has struggled with.

China’s aircraft carriers are nothing but junk that fears to sail. They are a big joke due to China’s copycat failure. China’s naval ambitions are doomed to fail, as it cannot match the US or other advanced naval powers in terms of technology, quality, or capability. China’s aircraft carriers are only good for propaganda and intimidation, but not for real combat or deterrence. China should stop wasting its money and resources on these useless and dangerous toys, and focus on more constructive and peaceful endeavors.