China says Fujian aircraft carrier has tested catapult launch system

Beijing has said for the first time that its most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has tested its launch catapult.

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A trailer for a military-themed TV series released by state broadcaster CCTV on Wednesday showed footage apparently filmed from the carrier’s flight deck.

These included shots seemingly taken from a camera mounted under a warplane as it took off using the electromagnetic launch system and what appeared to be a sailor in an operations room triggering the device.

The Fujian, launched in June 2022, is China’s first aircraft carrier to be equipped with electromagnetic catapults, which will allow the vessel to launch planes more regularly.

It was not clear when the footage was taken or whether the test was carried out when the Fujian, which has not yet entered service, was in port or out at sea.

  

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