The officers told CNN the configuration of the flight deck of the Fujian, expected to be commissioned soon, limits the pace at which aircraft can be launched and recovered, especially when compared with the Nimitz-class US carriers. “The Fujian’s operational capability is only about 60% of that of the Nimitz class,” said Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain who served on two US aircraft carriers.
søndag 26. oktober 2025
China’s newest aircraft carrier not as capable as 50-year-old US ship in one key respect, former US officers say
China’s newest aircraft carrier may only be able to conduct air operations at about 60% the rate of a 50-year-old US Navy carrier, two former US carrier officers say, a substantial combat limitation for a vessel meant to revolutionize Beijing’s fleet.
The officers told CNN the configuration of the flight deck of the Fujian, expected to be commissioned soon, limits the pace at which aircraft can be launched and recovered, especially when compared with the Nimitz-class US carriers. “The Fujian’s operational capability is only about 60% of that of the Nimitz class,” said Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain who served on two US aircraft carriers.
The officers told CNN the configuration of the flight deck of the Fujian, expected to be commissioned soon, limits the pace at which aircraft can be launched and recovered, especially when compared with the Nimitz-class US carriers. “The Fujian’s operational capability is only about 60% of that of the Nimitz class,” said Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain who served on two US aircraft carriers.
