China launches third aircraft carrier
China yesterday launched its biggest and most modern aircraft carrier, marking a major military advance for the Asian superpower. The new carrier, named Fujian, is the "first catapult aircraft carrier wholly designed and built by China", said state broadcaster CCTV. The other carriers -- the Liaoning and the Shandong -- use a ski-jump-style ramp for takeoffs. Authorities have not said when Fujian will enter service. The United States has by far the most aircraft carriers in service at 11 ships, followed by China and Britain at two each, according to defence magazine Janes. Unlike the US Navy's nuclear-powered supercarriers, the Fujian uses conventional propulsion. Nuclear vessels have significant advantages over conventional ships as they can operate for long periods without the need to dock and refuel.
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