China’s New Aircraft Carrier Is Crimped by a Design Flaw That Won’t Go Away

China’s New Aircraft Carrier Is Crimped by a Design Flaw That Won’t Go Away

Summary and Key Points: China’s expanding aircraft carrier fleet is a major step in Beijing’s push for a true blue-water navy, with the Fujian marking its most advanced carrier yet. The ship signals real progress, especially with EMALS-style catapults, but major limits remain, including conventional propulsion and deck-layout constraints that could reduce sortie efficiency. China Aircraft Carrier on the High Seas. Image Credit: Creative Commons.…