SU-33 Naval Flanker
Posted on 07/07/2007 5:08:34 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
China plans to build its first aircraft carrier - news agency
11:02 | 06/ 07/ 2007
HONG KONG, July 6 (RIA Novosti) - China is close to beginning construction of its first aircraft carrier to expand the operational and strategic capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), a Chinese news agency said Friday.
KANWA News cited sources in the Chinese defense industry as saying that several companies had received contracts on the development of systems and components for the future aircraft carrier.
"This indicates that the decision on construction of the aircraft carrier has been made, and its characteristics have been outlined," the agency said, adding that a shipbuilding company based in Shanghai could be chosen as the main project contractor.
So far, Chinese shipyards have been building fast-attack missile patrol boats, dock landing ships, frigates and destroyers, many with stealthy, high-tech features common on Western warships.
Although Beijing consistently denied media reports saying that China could build its first aircraft carrier as early as 2010, Chinese officials admitted in March that the country was conducting research in aircraft carrier technologies.
Russia has long been offering China assistance in the development of its own aircraft carrier.
Alexander Denisov, head of Russia's weapons procurement agency, said last year at Airshow China 2006 that such assistance would not violate international norms in the light of the EU embargo on exports of military equipment to China, following the repression of student demonstrations in Tiananmen Square in 1989.
Regional media attention has recently been focused on the Varyag, an incomplete Russian carrier which was towed to China in 2002.
China bought the ship, which lacked any electronic equipment and weaponry, at an auction in Ukraine and put in a PLAN dry-dock in Dalian.
Although the Varyag arrived in a dilapidated condition, it was cleaned and painted in 2005, and experts believe the Chinese are seriously considering completing the ship.
Russia has provided many of China's new ships, including the Sovremenny-class destroyers and Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines, and there are indications that China will continue to rely on Russian naval construction capabilities.
Russia is currently not building any major surface or submarine warships for China, but it could sell China the Zubr large amphibious assault hovercraft, a large number of Kamov naval troop assault helicopters, and Beriev Be-200 turbofan-powered seaplanes, KANWA News said.
Moscow might also provide aircraft for the future Chinese carrier. Rosoboronexport, Russia's state arms export monopoly, is reportedly in talks on the sale to China of about 50 Su-33 Naval Flanker ship-borne fighters, worth $2.5 billion.
SU-33 Naval Flanker
Did the Clintons give them the plans for a Nimitz-class carrier?
An aircraft carrier is one of the most expensive of modern weapons systems. Including its aircraft and support fleet each aircraft carrier costs billions of dollars to build and billions more to keep operating. Communist China will need all of the profits it is making from its retail sales to America to get in this race.
It should be no comfort for Americans to know that they are funding communist China’s new fleet of aircraft carriers. I’ll bet the first Chicom carrier will be based in Long Beach CA. Wanna bet?
a/c carrier ping
Didn't you read the story? The Russians are falling all over themselves to provide help.
Naw. They will have to negotiate basing rights with the reconquista folks, first. sarc/
Nope.
He SOLD them!
That was what is known as a “joke”.
OK, for the ChiComs to maintain some sort of nat’l population / crew ratio, the carrier will have ~75,000 crew? ;>)
Communist China will need all of the profits it is making from its retail sales to America to get in this race. ... It should be no comfort for Americans to know that they are funding communist China’s new fleet of aircraft carriers.
I'll bet it will be named B. J. Clinton
check google earth. it is already dockside at dalian, close to where the sub was docked when they took the shots...
Yes, yes, the phrase was of Japanese origin. But ask the Taiwanese, the Australians, and the Singaporeans whom they fear more today: the Chinese or the Japanese. For that matter, ask the Japanese whom they fear.
Freedom, Wealth, and Peace,
Francis W. Porretto
Eternity Road
What’s your take on this?
Darned close to what I was gonna’ say!
Now, I also have no doubt that the Chinese are going to build their own indegenous carrier at some point. Anytime within the next 5 years they could start that build. We will know that for sure when they lay down the keel on the ways in some PLAN Chinese shipyard, perhaps in Shanghai or Dalian.
I am just not sure that this report is indicative of that happening in the next few months. It could, but it could also be that these orders are for the Varyag. We shall see.
It will provide great target practice for whichever US SSN gets to it first.
5.56mm
By "run" I mean conduct military operations, support, and the million other things that a carrier does.
Hell just getting chow to everybody is amazing if you think about it;.
With the quality control issues and the lack of experience I'd like to be further than 2 miles when they have a problem with their reactor core or any of the fire control issues that arise when "carriers go wild".
I may have been on a carrier or three and am still amazed that any of the crew on the flight deck survive and that any of the crew below can find their way around.
If you do get a keg and a two mile obs post, can I bring over a folding chair, umbrella and binocs? Should be fun to watch the first night landings as well....we'll need night vision.... I'll bring my own.
Sure. I've just got to arrange which platform we'll be using. I'd prefer an Aegis class cruiser, so if the Chinese try to make any hostile movements regarding our position, they will know better.
I'll also start a pool on how many Su-29's (or 35s) go into the drink, and then for a bonus round, how many rescue helios follow them in. No credit given for sailors either blown off the flight deck or sucked into an engine. That's to be expected.
I didn't even consider a core meltdown. For the pool, that would be an extra credit bonus round.
5.56mm
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