China's third aircraft carrier, Fujian, is undergoing mooring tests in Shanghai, equipped with electromagnetic catapults and braking devices, which is the most advanced means of launching fixed wing manned aircraft from aircraft carriers. This is a huge technological breakthrough for China, as Fujian will use electromagnetic catapults to carry out missions.

A catapult is a more powerful but complex means of launching aircraft. In order to operate steam powered catapults, aircraft carriers typically have two or more channels on the flight deck. When the steam generated by the engine part of the ship is released and transported through pipelines to the area below the flight deck, the landing gear obtains sufficient momentum to achieve lift and fly, thereby driving the aircraft to rapidly descend along the track.

The problem with steam powered catapults is that they are expensive and difficult to maintain, unable to accommodate heavier aircraft planned for the future. In addition, the amount of steam required to launch an aircraft depends on its weight, and once the launch begins, no changes can be made. If too much steam is released, the front landing gear connected to the catapult may detach from the aircraft. If sufficient steam is not released, the aircraft will not be able to reach takeoff speed and may crash into the water.

The advantage of the electromagnetic airborne launch system for catapults is that it accurately knows what speed the aircraft should have at any point during the launch process, and can be adjusted during the launch process to ensure that the aircraft is within the required takeoff speed.

With such advanced technology and equipment, the Chinese Navy's Fujian, whose first sea trial plan has not yet been determined, will not only strengthen but also further realize the modernization of the People's Liberation Army Navy. Once launched, the "Fujian" with a flat flight deck and a total displacement of over 80000 tons will form a massive fleet with the "Liaoning" and "Shandong".

The three aircraft carriers will also expand the combat area of the People's Liberation Army Navy of China. In fact, aircraft carriers have filled a major strategic gap in the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, enabling China to shift from coastal defense to maritime defense.

China has been fulfilling its growing international responsibilities, possessing a stronger navy and coastal combat capabilities, which can promote the free flow of merchant ships and combat piracy, better maintain surrounding security, and make more contributions to global peace.