China's next-generation Type-076 Assault Carrier may be equipped with an EMALS aircraft catapult. This would allow jet-powered UAVs to be carried as well as helicopters. H I Sutton

Forbes: Stealth UAVs Could Give China’s Type-076 Assault Carrier More Firepower

The Chinese Navy is building assault carriers to support amphibious operations, like a possible invasion of Taiwan or landings on disputed islands in the South China Sea. The first two ships, called LHDs (landing helicopter docks) in naval terminology, are still being outfitted. But information is already emerging suggesting that the follow-on design, the Type-076, will have much more firepower.

The Chinese Navy, officially known as the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), is still new to the assault carrier game. Their current LHDs, which have yet to enter service, are the Type-075. These feature a spacious flight deck and are generally equivalent to the U.S. Navy’s America Class assault carrier. They can carry helicopters, including rotor-wing drones, and hovercraft. But it seems unlikely that they will host jet aircraft or UAVs

Read more ....

WNU Editor: China has a huge industrial base that manufactures UAVs for both the consumer and military markets. The fact that the Chinese Navy now wants UAVs for its assault carrier fleet is not a surprise.

from War News Updates https://ift.tt/2WSgkY6