Last week was very significant for China as the anniversary of Mao Zedong's birth was celebrated with two prototypes of sixth-generation fighter aircraft. The appearance of these radar-resistant aircraft made by Chengdu and Shenyang surprised the world because other countries had not yet shown their aircraft. Then last weekend China launched the world's first amphibious assault ship with the world's first electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMAL).
The Type 76 ship, named Sichuan, is equipped with an EMAL system on the left side of the foredeck. This allows it to launch jet fighters and drones directly from the deck like an aircraft carrier. Two years ago, the aircraft carrier Fujian was launched with a pair of EMAL systems, making China the second country after the United States to use this system.
The EMAL system is fully electric. Its advantage over the steam-powered CATOBAR system is that it does not require sufficient steam pressure to launch the aircraft. The strength of the EMAL can also be adjusted, thus avoiding damage to small-sized drones when launched.
All amphibious assault aircraft at sea are currently not equipped with a launcher system. Japan and the United States both launched the vertically-launched F-35B aircraft on their amphibious assault ships. The F-35B can be launched horizontally from the deck of a ship but with a lighter weapons load.
The Sichuan launch demonstrates China’s ability to launch new weapons systems that meet its own needs after long reliance on Soviet-era technology.