China has built a prototype nuclear reactor for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

China has built a prototype of a land-based nuclear reactor, which is intended for a large surface warship.

About this reports Associated Press with reference to Chinese government documents and analysis of satellite images of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California.

These data may indicate that Beijing is on its way to creating the country's first nuclear aircraft carrier.

Middlebury researchers have already studied satellite images of the site outside the city of Leshan in southwest China's Sichuan province. The reason was suspicions that China had begun to build a reactor for the production of plutonium or tritium for weapons.

However, it later turned out that China was engaged in the construction of a prototype reactor for a large warship.

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In addition satellite imagery, the researchers also examined project tenders, personnel files and information on environmental impacts. Scientists have concluded that the reactor is located in a new building built at Base 909, controlled by the China Nuclear Energy Institute.

Some documents indicate that the reactor equipment “intended to be installed on a large surface warship” was purchased by China's 701 Institute, which is responsible for the development of aircraft carriers. This conclusion was also prompted by the “national defense purpose” of the project.

According to AR, rumors about China's plans to build a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier have been circulating for a long time, but research by the Middlebury Institute became the first confirmation that the country is working on a nuclear power plant for a surface warship the size of an aircraft carrier.

Currently, China's fleet is considered the largest in the world in terms of numbers, and with a nuclear aircraft carrier it will become a “challenge” for the USA, because it will be able to operate around the world.

Nuclear aircraft carriers are only in the USA and France. They are built longer than usual, but are able to stay at sea longer because they do not need refueling.

There is more space on board for fuel and ammunition for aircraft, aircraft carriers are able to generate more energy to operate modern systems .