China’s latest and most capable aircraft carrier has used its new electromagnetic catapult to successfully launch three types of aircraft, according to Chinese State media, which released footage of the launches for the first time to mark the technological breakthrough.

In footage released by the State broadcaster China Central Television on Monday (22), China’s fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighter, 4.5-generation J-15T fighter and KJ-600 early warning and control aircraft were seen taking off from the Fujian aircraft carrier using its advanced launching system, also known as EMALS.

The successful tests on the Fujian, which included both catapult launch and arrested landing, mean that the Ship’s commissioning – when it officially enters the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) fleet – could be only a few weeks away. Further certifications can be expected in the next few months with final trials on the Fujian’s ability to integrate with the PLA Air Force and Rocket Force likely to come next spring.

The EMALS system allows carrier aircraft to take off with heavier weapon and fuel loads than those operating off China’s two older carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning, which feature ski-jump-type take-off ramps, enabling Fujian’s aircraft to strike enemy targets from greater distances. The Fujian’s ability to launch larger warplanes carrying higher munitions loads to farther distances will give the carrier a greater combat range than its predecessors in the Chinese fleet, providing the PLAN with so-called ‘blue-water’ capabilities.

However, the Chinese carrier is not nuclear powered. The Fujian is powered by conventional fuel, meaning that it must either make a port call or be met by a tanker at sea to refuel.

(Cable News Network)