The Sichuan is the only

The catapult aboard China’s massive Type 076 LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock)

Subsequent official images of its commissioning on Dec. 27, 2024, showed the long shed covering the port-side portion of the deck, running lengthwise, again confirming the catapult’s presence. Such sheds were also previously used to cover the CNS Fujian’s catapults.

That carrier, that reached a major milestone in September by launching and recovering the J-35 stealth fighter, J-15T carrier-borne jet, and the KJ-600 AEW&C aircraft, also underwent a similar test of its EMALS (Electro-Magnetic Launch System) catapult on Nov. 26, 2023 .

The Sichuan is the world’s only

The ship also features a twin-island design, similar to the Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers

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