Chinese Military's Type 076 Drone Carrier "Sichuan" Begins Key Catapult Tests
- MM24 News Desk
- Oct 24
- 3 min read
Chinese military observers report that the PLA Navy's advanced amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, has potentially begun critical testing of its electromagnetic catapult system. A newly designated no-entry zone in front of the Shanghai shipyard and the vessel's repositioned launch system suggest sled tests for its state-of-the-art Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) are underway, a key step before sea trials.
A photograph circulating on Chinese social media has ignited speculation that the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is entering a pivotal new phase for its next-generation warship. The image, claimed to be taken on a recent Tuesday night, shows the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan brightly illuminated at its dock in Shanghai's Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard. Crucially, the vessel's advanced launch system was seen pointing toward the open waters of the Yangtze River, a significant shift from its usual inward-facing position during fitting-out.
This visual evidence coincided with an official notice from the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration, which designated a small, rectangular no-entry zone directly in front of the shipyard's dock from October 20 to October 29. The administration warned of daily "underwater activities" within this zone, according to SCMP. Given the ship's repositioning and the specific location of the exclusion area, analysts believe the Sichuan has commenced sled tests for its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS).
So, what exactly is a sled test? This critical procedure involves using a heavy, wheeled metal carriage to simulate the mass and structural stress of a real aircraft being launched at full speed. "The sled test is a fundamental step to validate the catapult's power, acceleration profile, and structural integrity before launching actual aircraft," explained a naval analyst. In each test launch, the sled is catapulted off the deck and into the water, which neatly explains the "underwater activities" mentioned in the official maritime warning—they likely refer to the recovery of these test vehicles from the river.
This development signals that the Sichuan is rapidly progressing toward its sea trials. Earlier witness reports had already indicated that covers were removed from the catapult track and that a new radar system had been installed. The Type 076 Sichuan holds the unique distinction of being the world's first and only amphibious assault ship designed to feature an EMALS. Until now, this advanced technology has only been confirmed on the US Navy's USS Gerald Ford-class supercarriers and China's own Type 003 aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which recently completed successful sea trials involving the launch and recovery of three fixed-wing aircraft.
The strategic advantage of EMALS over traditional launch systems is substantial. Compared to the ski-jump ramps found on many carriers, an electromagnetic catapult allows for more frequent launch cycles and can propel heavier, more heavily-loaded aircraft into the sky. It is also more energy-efficient and offers greater flexibility than the older steam catapults used on most U.S. carriers, a feature that is particularly advantageous for launching a diverse mix of aircraft, especially drones of varying sizes.
Launched in December of last year, the Sichuan has an estimated displacement of over 40,000 tonnes and is equipped with a single catapult that matches the length of those on the much larger Fujian. While the Chinese navy has explicitly stated that the Sichuan will primarily function as a "drone carrier," hosting uncrewed systems like the GJ-11 stealth combat drone, its full-length flight deck and powerful catapult mean it retains the inherent capability to operate manned aircraft if the mission requires it. This testing phase marks a significant leap forward in China's ambition to create a highly versatile and modern naval aviation force.
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