China's Fujian aircraft carrier begins 3rd sea trials testing electromagnetic catapult system.

According to information published by Baijiahao on July 4, 2024, the Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian has embarked on its third sea trial, with the primary objective of testing its electromagnetic catapult system.
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The Chinese PLA Navy's aircraft carrier Fujian. (Picture source: @琴石2022)

This latest trial saw the presence of two J-15T carrier-based aircraft on the flight deck, alongside support vehicles, indicating the central role these jets will play in the testing process.

Images shared by observers confirmed the carrier's departure around 11 AM, with a noticeable change on the flight deck compared to previous trials. Absent were the KJ-600 early warning aircraft and the J-35 mock-up, which had appeared in earlier trials. This shift underscores the trial's focus on the J-15T.

Previous trials saw varying configurations of aircraft on the deck, with each setup tailored to specific testing requirements. For instance, in May, a J-15T and a J-35 mock-up were used, while the June trial featured the J-35 at the angled deck's end and the J-15T at the stern's maintenance area. The current configuration, exclusively featuring the J-15T, suggests a dedicated focus on this aircraft for the upcoming tests.

The presence of support vehicles on the flight deck, which are typically used for tasks such as towing, fueling, and arming aircraft, further indicates the J-15T's pivotal role in this phase of testing. This setup implies that the J-15T is not merely a static test tool but a central component in the catapult testing process.

Despite extensive ground testing of the electromagnetic catapult system, this sea trial marks the first live test on a carrier, emphasizing the need for precision and reliability.

The rapid pace of the Fujian's sea trials has been notable, with the current trial commencing just over three weeks after the previous one concluded on June 11. This swift progression contrasts sharply with the timelines of earlier Chinese carriers, such as the Liaoning and Shandong, which had significantly longer intervals between their initial sea trials.