China Launches Fourth Carrier with Dedicated Drone Capabilities
China has recently unveiled its fourth carrier, a dedicated drone carrier that marks a significant advancement in naval warfare technology. The ship was reportedly launched in December 2022, but details about it have only surfaced recently.
Key Details about China’s Drone Carrier
- The drone carrier is currently stationed on the Yangtze River, shrouded in secrecy.
- Compared to traditional aircraft carriers, the design of China’s drone carrier is smaller in size.
- The flight deck of the carrier is approximately one-third the length and half the width of a US or Chinese supercarrier.
- It is slightly shorter but wider than a World War Two escort carrier.
The unique design of the drone carrier allows for the operation of fixed-wing aircraft, such as Chinese versions of the Predator drone. However, the straight deck arrangement poses challenges for simultaneous takeoff and landing.
Despite its innovative features, the carrier lacks a typical aircraft hangar, limiting the number of aircraft it can accommodate.
According to reports, the flight deck is spacious enough to handle aircraft or drones with a wingspan of around 20 meters, showcasing China’s focus on advanced drone technology.
While the specifics of the drone carrier’s capabilities and intended use remain undisclosed, it represents a significant development in China’s naval capabilities.
Other countries, including Iran and Turkey, are also exploring the concept of drone carriers, reflecting the growing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern naval operations.
As China continues to expand its naval fleet, the introduction of the dedicated drone carrier underscores the evolving nature of maritime warfare in the 21st century.