The Type 001 Aircraft Carrier Liaoning is the first aircraft carrier commissioned into the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China. Originally laid down as the Soviet Navy's Kuznetsov-class carrier Varyag, the vessel was purchased from Ukraine in 1998 and underwent extensive refitting and modernization before being commissioned into the PLAN on September 25, 2012. Liaoning serves as a training ship to help the PLAN gain expertise in carrier operations and develop its own carrier battle group capabilities.
Country users : China
Technical Data
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Weapon Systems
The Liaoning is equipped with a variety of advanced weapon systems. Its primary armament includes twelve C-602 anti-ship missile launchers and eighteen HQ-10 short-range surface-to-air missile launchers, providing robust offensive and defensive capabilities. Additionally, the carrier is fitted with three Type 1130 close-in weapon systems (CIWS), each featuring 11-barrel 30 mm Gatling guns, designed to intercept incoming threats at close range.
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Engine and Propulsion
The propulsion system of the Liaoning is conventional, relying on steam turbines powered by eight KVG-4 boilers. These boilers feed into four steam turbines, generating a combined total of approximately 200,000 shaft horsepower (shp). The power is distributed across four shafts with four fixed-pitch propellers. Additionally, the vessel has nine 2,011 hp (1,500 kW) turbogenerators and six 2,011 hp (1,500 kW) diesel generators. This powerful propulsion system enables the carrier to achieve a maximum speed of 32 knots (59 km/h; 37 mph). The vessel's operational range is about 3,850 nautical miles (7,130 km; 4,430 mi) at a cruising speed of 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph), allowing it to undertake extended missions without the need for frequent refueling. Liaoning has an endurance of 45 days.
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On-board equipment
Onboard the Liaoning, an array of sophisticated equipment ensures comprehensive situational awareness and operational effectiveness. The carrier is equipped with a Type 346 S-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which provides advanced tracking and targeting capabilities. Additionally, a Type 382 3D air search radar enhances the vessel's ability to detect and monitor aerial threats. Integrated optronic systems are used for navigation and fire control, augmenting the carrier's overall combat capabilities. To counter underwater threats, the Liaoning is fitted with a hull-mounted sonar for anti-submarine warfare, and an Electronic Warfare (EW) suite for signal interception and countermeasures, further enhancing its defensive posture.
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Flight capabilities
The Liaoning's flight deck is designed to accommodate a diverse array of aircraft. The carrier can support approximately 40 aircraft, including both fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. Its primary fixed-wing aircraft are Shenyang J-15 multi-role fighters, with a capacity of up to 24 aircraft. Additionally, the carrier supports several helicopter types, including six Changhe Z-18F for transport and six Changhe Z-18J for airborne early warning (AEW) roles, and two Harbin Z-9 for search and rescue (SAR) and anti-submarine warfare missions.
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