13 photos of Type 001A, China's first domestically built aircraft carrier
Launched in April 2017, and expected to be commissioned in 2018, China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, Type 001A, will likely be named Shandong.
It's about 1,033 feet long, has a beam of about 246 feet, and a displacement of 66,000 to 70,000 tons.
Source: CSIS
It's powered by eight conventional steam turbines with diesel engines, and has an expected cruising speed of about 36 mph.
The US Navy's newest carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, on the other hand, is nuclear-powered and has a displacement of 100,000 tons.
Source: CSIS, The National Interest
While the Liaoning was designed as a "heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser" with significant armaments, Type 001A was designed to serve in a similar strategic role as US carriers, sailing as the centerpiece of a strike group.
Source: South China Morning Post
But the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has reported that it will likely have similar armaments as the Liaoning, which is equipped with three HQ-10 SAMs, two RBU-6000 ASW rocket launchers, and three Type 1130 close-in weapon systems.
Source: CSIS
Type 001A is expected to have a larger air wing than the Liaoning, possibly holding four more fixed wing aircraft or eight helicopters.
Type 001A's flight deck has a built-in ski jump, reportedly angled at 12 degrees, unlike the Liaoning, which is angled at 14 degrees.
Source: CSIS
Here's a shot from the island looking onto the flight deck and ski jump.
Here's a close-up of the island, with the Type 346A S-band AESA on top.
And here's a shot inside the island.
Impressive production time notwithstanding, Type 001A's effectiveness will be limited by its conventional propulsion and short take-off but arrested recovery launch system.
Source: The Diplomat
But China's next carriers, such as 002, are the ones to watch out for, as they'll likely be nuclear-powered and have more advanced launch systems allowing for faster sorties.
Source: The Diplomat
Lastly, see more of Type 001A in the short video below:
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