Defence

China Building World’s First ‘Dedicated’ Drone Carrier: Report

China has silently unveiled a groundbreaking development in naval technology: the world’s first dedicated drone carrier.

According to Naval News, this revelation comes as a result of satellite imagery analysis and insights from J Michael Dahm, an esteemed expert in aerospace and China studies. The clandestine construction of this aircraft carrier, undisclosed by Beijing, marks a significant stride in China’s military strategy, particularly in the utilization of drones in combat scenarios.

Satellite images from the Jiangsu Dayang shipyard on the Yangtze River unveil the covert construction of this new carrier, specifically engineered to accommodate fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

🚨 New drone carrier breaks cover in China
China has built the world's first dedicated drone (UAV) carrier. The ship has not been reported however and many of the circumstances surrounding it remain a mystery 🇨🇳
Scoop by @CovertShores https://t.co/C4Wh4DOCOt— Naval News (@navalnewscom) May 15, 2024

Distinguished by its unique features, this mystery vessel, launched in December 2022 but concealed until now, diverges from conventional US or Chinese aircraft carriers. Notably smaller in size, approximately one-third the length and half the width of its counterparts, it boasts an unconventional straight deck arrangement, preventing simultaneous takeoffs and landings.

Despite its compact stature, the carrier possesses ample width to support aircraft or drones with a wingspan of up to 20 meters, slightly smaller than World War II escort carriers but wider. Its design incorporates a runway along one side and an island superstructure on the other, while the hull adopts a distinct catamaran configuration.

Crucially, the low flight deck suggests the absence of a hangar below, further indicating its specialized purpose for drone operations. Moreover, its expansive flight deck is estimated to accommodate drones with wingspans of up to 65 meters, akin to China’s rendition of the US Predator drone.

Naval News also highlighted the shipyard’s history of constructing several high-tech target barges and two large drone motherships, which serve as opposing forces in training exercises, a role known as ‘Electronic Blue Force’. This history suggests that the new drone carrier could support similar missions.

Defence

Fascinating Facts About the FC-31 Fighter Aircraft

Every nation aspires to develop advanced fighter jets, and China is no exception, aiming to create next-generation aircraft that can rival Western counterparts.

In this article, we’ll explore China’s second-most advanced fighter jet and its key features.

Fc-31 is a stealthy twin-engine multirole fighter from China. Its potential as an export fighter is attracting international interest, and it is poised to reshape China’s role in the global aerospace market. This impressive aircraft made its maiden flight on October 29, 2021, marking a significant milestone in China’s aviation capabilities.

The Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon, also known as the J-31 or J-35, is a Chinese prototype mid-sized twinjet 5th-generation fighter aircraft developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Featuring a catapult launch bar and a wing-fold mechanism, the FC-31 showcases advanced engineering and design tailored for modern aerial combat.

1. Size and Design: The FC-31 is a medium-sized fighter jet designed with stealth and agility in mind. It measures approximately 16.9 meters (55.4 feet) in length, with a wingspan of around 11.5 meters (37.7 feet), and stands about 4.8 meters (15.7 feet) tall. Despite being smaller than the Chengdu J-20, its dimensions make it an agile and flexible platform suitable for various missions.

2. Intended Role: China aims to replace its aging fleet of J-10 and J-11 warplanes with the FC-31. When paired with the J-20, the FC-31 represents a significant step toward China’s goal of indigenously mass-producing systems that can reliably challenge American and Russian military systems. This strategic pairing enhances China’s air defense and offense, showcasing its ability to produce competitive fifth-generation fighter jets.

3. Advanced Technology: The FC-31 is equipped with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit featuring multifunction displays (MFDs) and a helmet-mounted display (HMD) system. These advanced technologies provide pilots with real-time crucial flight and combat information, enhancing situational awareness and combat efficiency. The aircraft also boasts a fly-by-wire (FBW) control system, which improves handling and stability during complex maneuvers, making it a highly agile and responsive fighter.

4. Avionics and Radar: The avionics and radar systems of the FC-31 are designed to detect and track enemy targets effectively. The aircraft is believed to be equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, offering superior range, resolution, and resistance to electronic jamming compared to older radar systems. This advanced radar enables the FC-31 to identify and engage multiple targets simultaneously, significantly enhancing its combat capabilities.

5. Performance and Armament: The FC-31 can take off with a maximum weight of around 28,000 kilograms (61,729 pounds) and can reach speeds up to Mach 1.8 (1,381 mph or 2,222 km/h). For stealth missions, it features an internal weapons bay, but it also includes external hardpoints for additional weaponry, providing flexibility in various combat scenarios.

6. Stealth and Engine: The FC-31 employs stealth coatings instead of “baked-in” fiber-mat stealth, a distinctive feature that differentiates it from other stealth fighters. The aircraft is set to eventually incorporate the Guizhou WS-19 turbofan engine, a fundamentally new design with advanced technology similar to the J-20’s engine. The WS-19 engine boasts a maximum thrust of 10 tonnes-force (98.1 kN), promising enhanced performance and efficiency.

7. International Interest: Recently, Pakistan has embarked on an ambitious endeavor to enhance its air defense capabilities with the acquisition and potential local production of the FC-31 stealth fighter jet. Talks are reportedly underway between the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, signaling a significant leap forward for Pakistan’s military aviation prowess. This move highlights the FC-31’s appeal on the international stage and its potential to influence global military aviation dynamics.