Just post a few excerpts on the size, catapult, and elevator observations. Regarding the EM catapult, 003 has already been delayed by 1-2 years due to design change to use EM catapult, so no further delay is to be expeced. As for the two elevators, people have observed that 003's seem to be wider than the 001/002's. You know, the Ford class has reduced the number of elevators from Nitmiz and Kitty Hawk's four to three. If 003's elevator can indeed lift two aircraft simultaneously, two on 003 is equivalent to four elevators on 001/002. There're also sign that J-31 may serve on PLAN carriers, if so, it's likely 003 elevator will have no problem lifting two medium sized aircraft at the least.
China’s Third Aircraft Carrier Takes Shape
June 15, 2021
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China’s third aircraft carrier will be considerably larger than its predecessors, the Liaoning and Shandong, which each measure 304.5 meters in length. Earlier assessments of the Type 003 by CSIS estimated its waterline dimensions at roughly 300 meters in length and 40 meters in width. As the flight deck has taken shape, the vessel’s overall length has increased to approximately 315 meters, and its width at the widest point has expanded to 74 meters.
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Most CATOBAR systems are steam-driven, but this is starting to change. The U.S. Navy’s new Gerald R. Ford-class of carriers employs an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) that enables faster takeoffs, reduced maintenance, and increased energy efficiency. Rumors suggest that China intends to leapfrog past steam catapults by outfitting the Type 003 with an EMALS-style system. The decision on what type of catapult the Type 003 would employ was likely made years ago; and while the use of an EMALS-type system remains unconfirmed, altering course would bring significant challenges and delays.
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Questions remain about the number and size of aircraft elevators on the Type 003. These elevators, which move aircraft between the internal hangar bay and flight deck, are crucial to flight operations. Satellite imagery assessed by CSIS and low-altitude imagery circulating on social media suggest that the Type 003 will be configured with two starboard-side aircraft elevators, similar to the Shandong. However, the elevators on the Type 003 are estimated to be larger, which could allow them to lift two aircraft simultaneously. France’s Charles de Gaulle has two elevators and U.S. Gerald R. Ford-class carriers have three elevators, all of which are capable of lifting two aircraft at the same time.
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