At around 5 p.m. on the 16th, the Chinese Navy's Sichuan ship successfully completed its first three-day sea trial mission and returned smoothly to the shipyard dock.
According to Xinhua News Agency, during the trial, a series of tests were conducted on the Sichuan's power, electricity, and other system equipment, achieving the expected results. Subsequent test projects will be carried out step by step according to the overall construction plan of the equipment.
According to previous reports, the Sichuan ship has the hull number "51," with a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tons. It features dual-island superstructures (i.e., two islands) and a full-length flight deck (also known as a straight deck), innovatively applying electromagnetic catapult and arresting technologies. It can carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, amphibious equipment, and more.
Chinese military experts predict that the Sichuan ship will officially enter service before the end of 2026. By then, it will be able to launch UAVs, J-15T, J-35, and other carrier-based fighters, becoming the world's first electromagnetic catapult "UAV aircraft carrier."