Daniel808
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If this lineup is actually built, then the PLAN will have 3 full carriers but also 3 light carriers; the type 076 LHA would be equivalent to the USS America LHA which can launch the F-35B. This could indicate China is developing a similar aircraft or at least the drone equivalent of a STOVL Fighter or Loyal wingman.
Also interesting will be the Type 054B; a possibly future acquisition by the PN
Furthermore, what has always been interesting to me is China doesn’t retire its oldest ships, even when building so many ships at full speed. Perhaps they have so many slots to fill with their expanding mission requirements and the older ships are well broken in, so why “rock the boat” if you pardon the pun.
IMHO, Construction is probably already underway on subsystems like the propulsion, but they are probably waiting to see how the Type 003 performs in sea trails to modify the design and then go into production on the Type 004.
Will the J-35 be deployed on the two older carriers? It could make sense even more as the space is limited on those two carriers and it would be a good way to test for modifications to determine what is required of a fighter for the Type 076 LHA (even if the Type 076 will have an emals, the design will need to have enough space for deck landings by light stealth aircraft; manned or unmanned)
China’s Type 076 Medium Carrier (LHA) is equipped with EMALS Catapult, different with unequipped american lha.
So I think China would not develop Stovl (high maintenance cost & inefficient), because with EMALS onboard Type 076. They can launch J-35 Stealth Fighter together with An-Jian Loyal Wingman Drone