"China is planning an integrated air- and space-defense system known as Nantianmen ("Heavenly Gate"). Its centerpiece is the flying carrier Luanniao, measuring 242 meters (794 feet) in length, 684 meters in wingspan and reportedly weighing up to 120,000 tons at takeoff an imposing mass. From its deck, unmanned space fighters, so-called Xuannu, are to launch hypersonic missiles and strike targets in the atmosphere and in orbit."
"By weight alone, the planned space carrier would surpass the largest existing aircraft carriers by around 20%. While it would be shorter in length, its wingspan would be significantly broader than that of a conventional maritime aircraft carrier at sea. The largest aircraft carrier currently in service, the USS Gerald R. Ford, measures roughly 337 meters in length and 78 meters in width and weighs about 100,000 tons including fuel, crew and equipment."
China plans an integrated air- and space-defense system called Nantianmen with a flying carrier named Luanniao. Luanniao is described as 242 meters long, 684 meters in wingspan and reportedly weighing up to 120,000 tons at takeoff. The carrier is intended to launch unmanned space fighters called Xuannu to deliver hypersonic missiles and strike targets in the atmosphere and in orbit. By weight the carrier would exceed the largest existing aircraft carriers by about 20%, although it would be shorter in length and much wider in wingspan. State broadcaster CCTV released a photorealistic 3D depiction, while experts question its practicality despite recognizing major investments and prestige signaling.
Read at www.dw.com
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