Speculation has grown that China’s latest Type 076 amphibious warship, which will serve as a drone carrier and is capable of launching fixed-wing fighters, has begun testing its advanced electromagnetic catapult.
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The Sichuan, which is currently being fitted out at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, was pictured on Chinese social media with its state-of-the-art launch system pointing towards the open waters of the Yangtze River, rather than facing inward towards the dock.
The photo, claimed to have been taken on Tuesday night, was circulated from Wednesday morning, capturing the shipyard and the vessel’s bridge well lit, indicating activity during the evening hours.
The Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration earlier issued a notice to mariners, designating a small rectangular no-entry zone from October 20 to October 29, directly in front of the shipyard’s dock entrance.
The warning stated that “underwater activities” would take place within the zone daily from 9am to 5pm.
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Given the size and location of the exclusion zone, as well as the repositioning of the vessel, it is speculated that the Sichuan has been conducting sled tests of its carrier’s Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) during the specified period.
