"J-15 carrier-based fighter modified for catapult launch" Topic

"A model of China's J-15 carrier-based fighter displayed by an unknown ship design & research institute indicates has revealed that the PLA Navy is modifying the landing gear of the fighter for future aircraft carriers designed with catapults, reports the state-run Global Times.

The landing gear retraction jack of the new J-15 seems to be thicker compared to earlier models, said the report. The nose gear seems to be designed for catapults and arresting gear. Since the Liaoning, China's only carrier in service, is not equipped with a catapult, all J-15 fighters have to be pulled to the afterdeck for launching. The new design can save time for the PLA Navy in the future.

Li Xiaojian, a military expert in Beijing, said that adding the catapult system to aircraft carriers is a global naval trend. Even though new carrier-based stealth fighters are currently under development, the J-15 must serve the PLA Navy for the next 20 or 30 years. It is now extremely important for China to design new J-15 to be launched by catapult…"
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Li Xiaojian, a military expert in Beijing, said that adding the catapult system to aircraft carriers is a global naval trend.

Trend. yeah, that's the word.

More like any catapult-launched carrier-based aircraft is going to be able to carry far more weapons and fuel than something doing STOVL or vertical takeoff.

Leaked photo (source Janes defence)

LOL! (Smile)

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