Naval Systems

Type 002 Shandong aircraft carrier

The Type 002 Shandong is China's first domestically built aircraft carrier and the PLAN's second operational carrier. It uses a STOBAR ski-jump layout, was launched in April 2017, and was commissioned at Sanya on 17 December 2019 as hull number CV-17.

Carrier Aviation Context

ChinaPower and GlobalSecurity describe Shandong as a STOBAR carrier with a ski-jump bow ramp, and both note that the ship operates J-15 fighters plus helicopters from the flight deck.

FeatureDocumented detailWhy it matters
Launch methodSki-jump STOBARAllows fixed-wing launch without a catapult.
Primary air wingJ-15 fightersCarrier-capable multirole aircraft central to the ship's combat role.
Fleet roleSecond operational PLAN carrierExtends Chinese carrier aviation and sea-control reach.

Specifications

Carrier type
STOBAR with a ski-jump bow ramp
Displacement
About 66,000-70,000 tons full load
Length
304.5 m
Beam
75 m
Propulsion
Conventional steam turbines with diesel generators
Air wing
About 18-24 J-15 fighters plus helicopters
Radar
Type 346A S-band AESA

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
Commissioned into the PLA Navy on 17 December 2019 and assigned to the South Sea Fleet.
Used by
People's Liberation Army Navy

Timeline

Type 002 Shandong aircraft carrier Key Events

  1. Construction begins

    ChinaPower states that construction of the Shandong began in November 2013 at Dalian.

  2. Launched

    CSIS and GlobalSecurity both identify 26 April 2017 as the launch date.

  3. Commissioned

    CSIS, Xinhua, and GlobalSecurity report commissioning at Sanya on 17 December 2019.

  4. Carrier operations documented east of Taiwan

    Naval News reported Shandong operating east of Taiwan in a deployment that showed the carrier group well beyond home waters.

Type 002 Shandong aircraft carrier Images

Related Weapon Systems

Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier, Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy CATOBAR aircraft carrier with electromagnetic catapults, Naval SystemsNaval SystemsType 003 Fujian aircraft carrierChinese People's Liberation Army Navy CATOBAR aircraft carrier with electromagnetic catapultsType 003 Fujian is the People's Liberation Army Navy's first indigenous aircraft carrier design and China's first carrier built for CATOBAR operations with electromagnetic catapults. Built by Jiangnan Shipyard, it moved through sea trials beginning in 2024 and represents the PLAN's shift from ski-jump carrier aviation toward heavier aircraft launch and recovery operations.
F/A-18 Hornet (Tactical), Carrier-capable multirole strike fighter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsF/A-18 Hornet (Tactical)Carrier-capable multirole strike fighterThe F/A-18 Hornet (Tactical) is the National Naval Aviation Museum's label for the original McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 A-D Hornet family, a twin-engine all-weather fighter and attack aircraft that entered Marine Corps service in 1983 and U.S. Navy service in 1984. NAVAIR describes the Hornet as the nation's first all-weather fighter and attack aircraft, and official weapons documentation lists AGM-65 Maverick missiles among its armament.

Sources