China has shown in detail the magnetic catapults of its Fujian aircraft carrier, the first videos

The first footage showing the rails appeared on the network — element of an electromagnetic catapult for launching fighters from the deck of a ship. Integrated bubble launch control stations are also shown.

China has shown the internals of the electromagnetic catapult control station on its newest aircraft carrier Fujian for the first time. In a recently released video, the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) showed elements of a fighter launch device similar to the system used on US Navy aircraft carriers. Read more about this in The War Zone.

“Operator, Punch the ‘Launch’ Button”

Navy Catapult Control Station used by “Fujian” Type 003 CV | “Hardening” Special Sets Trailer(Edited) pic.twitter.com/uD7vzpnzrC

— David Wang (@Nickatgreat1220) September 11, 2024

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The authors of the publication drew attention to the fact that China for the first time demonstrated the key elements of the catapult system of its aircraft carrier Fujian, which is at the stage of sea trials. In fact, this is the first Chinese aircraft carrier with the CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system, which contains three electromagnetic catapults: two on the bow and one on the port side. As noted, these technologies enable the ship to launch aircraft using an electromagnetic field.

In the video footage, you can see not only the flight deck with catapult rails, but also the control station integrated into the deck. It has a hexagonal shape and in the folded state is located flush with the deck. This design resembles the systems used on the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and provides greater accuracy and safety, especially when launching unmanned aerial vehicles.

New footage shows how a catapult officer initiates the aircraft's takeoff process, however the very moment of launch has not yet been demonstrated. The fact is that China still uses cargo simulators to test the catapult system before the start of flights, so there is currently no information on whether real aircraft launches have been carried out in Fujian.