It is reported that the very large floating structures (VLFS) is thousands
of meters long and made up of floating modules connected together. It
can be assembled as required and used as a floating pier, logistics
base and airport.
A large floating island or airport or sea base can be achieved by linking
a several floating platforms, which is very valuable for military and
civilian use, said an expert when interviewed by Shenzhen TV.
US Mobile offshore base
The mobile offshore base (MOB) idea was first seriously considered when
the United States entered Operation Desert Shield (1990–91). MOB
is a concept for supporting military operations where conventional land
bases are not available. With the MOB concept the U.S. could have a
base anywhere in the world in as little as a month. A MOB could accomodate
and deploy conventional fighters and even large carge aircraft like
the C-17 Globemaster III as well as landing craft. Such a floating offshore
base has been researched and proposed, but never developed.
Future will tell if unlike the U.S., the Chinese military decides to
go ahead, develop and actually produce a VLFS/mobile offshore base.
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