China has successfully tested and deployed a new electromagnetic catapult system. The PLA Navy was the first to launch a stealth aircraft with EM technologies.
EM catapults offer significant advantages over steam-powered launch systems: they are smaller, simpler, and allow for far faster launches of multiple aircraft and types.
They are especially conducive to naval drone operations, where Chinese naval forces already enjoy superiority.
The US Navy's Ford-class carriers also have EM catapults, but have suffered operational problems since inception. Failure rates are so high that they cannot be used at all in high-tempo combat operations.
Sleepless One - 2mon
When I first read the headline, I thought the Chinese navy was loading CPC members into catapults and firing them at enemy ships.
14
LeeeroooyJeeenkiiins [none/use name] - 2mon
Ohhh hey, a use case for jetpacks, use the EM catapult to launch your chinese super soldiers and then use the minute or so of fuel a jetpack can carry to slow down and land
14
Wheaties [she/her] - 2mon
I interpreted "carrier" as like a parcel delivery. Just a big ol' magnetic cannon for your mail.
aeroplanes aren't as cool
7
alexei_1917 [mirror/your pronouns] - 2mon
I read "revolutionary catgirls" for a second. I mean, yes, hug shaped PLA girls with scritchable ears would be neat to see a picture of and would definitely be a boost to global socialist morale. But a catapult is almost as cool, I guess.
5
Awoo [she/her] - 2mon
I mentioned in the news mega, if they can launch jets with it then I wonder how long it'll be before they can catch jets with it. The cable and hook method to slow planes down on landing has always been a bit low tech.
9
AF_R [he/him] - 2mon
It is quite impressive how China has bootstrapped a modern Navy in such little time. From purchasing and refitting an obsolete Soviet ramp-based carrier, to a modern fleet carrier that surpasses US capability in what, 2 decades?
The Koreans basically got unlimited tech transfer and engineering support from the US via the KDX program to try the same thing, and after 30 years they’ve produced what is basically an Arleigh Burke destroyer from the 80s.
It’s little wonder USN admirals have kind of been losing their shit publicly lately. They know they have been surpassed.
We are going to see headlines of US carrier groups sinking to the bottom of the sea in our lifetimes.
8
GenderIsOpSec [she/her, kit/kit's] - 2mon
shouldve used a trebuchet instead smdh
6
HexReplyBot [none/use name] - 2mon
I found a YouTube link in your post. Here are links to the same video on alternative frontends that protect your privacy:
Champoloo in sino
Revolutionary catapult gives Chinese navy huge edge in carrier operations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBr0zOE5930When I first read the headline, I thought the Chinese navy was loading CPC members into catapults and firing them at enemy ships.
Ohhh hey, a use case for jetpacks, use the EM catapult to launch your chinese super soldiers and then use the minute or so of fuel a jetpack can carry to slow down and land
I interpreted "carrier" as like a parcel delivery. Just a big ol' magnetic cannon for your mail.
aeroplanes aren't as cool
I read "revolutionary catgirls" for a second. I mean, yes, hug shaped PLA girls with scritchable ears would be neat to see a picture of and would definitely be a boost to global socialist morale. But a catapult is almost as cool, I guess.
I mentioned in the news mega, if they can launch jets with it then I wonder how long it'll be before they can catch jets with it. The cable and hook method to slow planes down on landing has always been a bit low tech.
It is quite impressive how China has bootstrapped a modern Navy in such little time. From purchasing and refitting an obsolete Soviet ramp-based carrier, to a modern fleet carrier that surpasses US capability in what, 2 decades?
The Koreans basically got unlimited tech transfer and engineering support from the US via the KDX program to try the same thing, and after 30 years they’ve produced what is basically an Arleigh Burke destroyer from the 80s.
It’s little wonder USN admirals have kind of been losing their shit publicly lately. They know they have been surpassed.
We are going to see headlines of US carrier groups sinking to the bottom of the sea in our lifetimes.
shouldve used a trebuchet instead smdh
I found a YouTube link in your post. Here are links to the same video on alternative frontends that protect your privacy: