Mysterious Chinese ship: New aircraft carrier or research vessel?
A Chinese ship resembling an aircraft carrier, featuring three "islands," has set sail. Its purpose remains a mystery, reports the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. The exact specifications of this new vessel are also unknown.
11:32 AM EST, November 28, 2024
A video has surfaced on Chinese social media showing the maiden voyage of the mysterious ship, which structurally resembles an aircraft carrier. This ship is distinguished by its three superstructures, which is unusual for this type of vessel. Typically, aircraft carriers have one or two "islands."
Unknown purpose of the ship
The ship's name and specifications remain unknown, sparking speculation about its functionality and purpose. The ship lacks markings indicating affiliation with the Chinese Navy, raising questions about its potential civilian or research use.
The CSSC emblem on the ship suggests it may be a Chinese Shipbuilding Corporation research project. The funnels are placed on the third "island" at the stern. The ship also features a division between a flight deck and a hangar deck, typical of aircraft carriers.
Speculations about the new project
As previously observed in satellite images, the ship was launched in September or October 2024. Defense Express suggests that the recently observed mysterious vessel may be related to an order placed by the Chinese government in 2022.
At that time, the authorities ordered the design of a universal amphibious assault ship with a flight deck and a dock for landing craft. The requirements include a length of 656 feet, a deck width of 82 feet, a displacement of 15,000 tons, a range of 5,754 miles, and autonomy for 40 days. However, it cannot be stated with certainty that the ship is the result of this order.
Defense Express points out that identifying Chinese units is a recurring issue. Historical examples demonstrate significant gaps in available information about China's defense and technological capabilities.
