Archive · 8 Nov 2025
China's New Aircraft Carrier Fujian Features Electromagnetic Catapults
China has a new aircraft carrier named Fujian.
This carrier is special because it can launch airplanes using a powerful catapult system, not just a ramp.
Think of a catapult like a slingshot that gives planes an extra big push to get into the air.
Older carriers in China and other countries only use ramps, which are like hills that planes roll down to take off.
Using catapults allows heavier planes to fly and carry more things.
The Fujian is the first Chinese ship to have this technology, and it's one of only a few in the world to use a special type called electromagnetic catapults.
This makes the Fujian a more advanced aircraft carrier.
China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has been launched, featuring advanced electromagnetic catapult technology.
Unlike China's older carriers (Liaoning and Shandong) that use ramps, the Fujian is equipped with catapults for launching aircraft.
The Fujian is the first Chinese carrier to use catapults, enhancing operational flexibility for launching heavier aircraft.
Globally, the Fujian is the 13th carrier to feature catapult technology and the second to use electromagnetic catapults, following the USS Gerald R Ford.
Chinese state media reported that Xi Jinping personally decided to adopt electromagnetic catapult technology for the carrier.
- Who
- China
- What
- Launched its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is equipped with electromagnetic catapults
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Not specified
- Why
- To enable the launch of heavier aircraft with greater operational flexibility compared to ramp-assisted launches
- Carrier Name
- Fujian
- Launch Technology
- Electromagnetic Catapults
- Significance
- First Chinese carrier with catapults, second globally with electromagnetic catapults
- Comparison
- First Chinese carrier using catapults, unlike older Liaoning and Shandong which used ramps
- Global Rarity
- 13th carrier globally to use catapult technology, 2nd with electromagnetic catapults