As the Fujian ship unveiled and entered the outfitting stage, the debate about the power of the Fujian ship came to an end. If not unexpected, this domestically produced second aircraft carrier still uses the steam turbine . After all, in terms of equipment reliability, the Fujian ship's straight deck electromagnetic catapult has been greatly improved, and the meal still needs to be eaten at a bite. After all, there is not far from the knowledge of Ford-class . However, US media believes that the next generation of Fujian ships will adopt nuclear power, and listed three reasons. The most important one is that to meet the larger electromagnetic catapult , abundant energy for nuclear power is required.
According to social media reports, US media quoted reports from US think tank and the Australian Institute of Strategic Policy said that the next generation of aircraft carriers after the Fujian ship are likely to be built using nuclear power technology. According to reports, with the launch of the third aircraft carrier, the Fujian ship, many people speculated that the next generation of the fourth aircraft carrier may be completed from 2025 to 2027, and this aircraft carrier may use nuclear power.
Although many people believe that the fourth aircraft carrier may still use traditional power, the reason is that the traditional power has low maintenance costs and low construction costs, which are suitable for rapid production of equipment and have no significant technical difficulties. However, US media believes that nuclear-powered aircraft carriers still have advantages such as range, speed, and global reputation. It also quoted China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation's previous statement that a breakthrough in ship nuclear power technology can be achieved before 2027. The US think tank and the Australian Institute of Strategic Policy also analyzed and listed three reasons, indicating that the next generation is likely to be nuclear power. The first reason is to achieve a truly world-class naval and blue waterization, and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers are an iconic equipment. At the same time, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers are also a "reputation asset", and the impact it produces far exceeds the equipment performance itself. Therefore, the construction of nuclear power for the next aircraft carrier is a very cost-effective investment.
The second reason is that there have been some breakthroughs in technology. In addition to surface ship , both strategic nuclear submarine and tactical nuclear submarine have experience in using nuclear power, which paves the way for the construction and use of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. After all, small nuclear reactors of various experimental properties are being tested in progress. Although there are reports that these reactors are used for offshore nuclear power platforms or nuclear-powered icebreaker , once users need it, these technologies will be natural if they are used for nuclear-powered aircraft carrier construction.
The third reason is the need for equipment performance. The Fujian ship is considered to be a conventional-powered aircraft carrier with a tonnage of close to the Kitty Hawk class. Therefore, when using electromagnetic catapults, the power of the steam turbine can meet the needs, and even because the electromagnetic catapult power curve is smoother, it can save more energy. But if the next-generation aircraft carrier of Fujian ship hopes to expand to giant aircraft carriers like the Ford class, then whether the steam turbine can provide more economical power is a question, and the nuclear power of an aircraft carrier with a capacity of more than 100,000 tons is undoubtedly the most advantageous solution. What's more, the Fujian ship only has three electromagnetic catapults, and the future aircraft carrier will have 4 catapults, , which is comparable to the Ford class. In order to meet greater energy consumption, nuclear power will also become one of the solutions that must be considered.
Actually, when asked about the future aircraft carrier plan of , a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense said that this will be formulated based on national security, security, needs and capabilities. Therefore, whether domestically produced aircraft carriers will use conventional power or nuclear power in the future will also start based on the above points. Of course, the analysis cited by the US media is also an angle, but the high construction and maintenance costs brought by nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and the impact of long maintenance time on combat readiness cannot be ignored. I advise the US not to care too much about what power will the next aircraft carrier use. First, think about how to make the Ford-class combat power, which may be more important.
