China’s third and latest aircraft carrier, Type 003-class Fujian, has not yet undergone sea trials, but its design details, including advanced “integrated” mast technology, are gradually being revealed.
The electromagnetic catapult of the Fujian carrier made its debut on television, showing that it has one fewer launch track than the U.S. Ford-class. However, there’s another difference: their masts.
The island, or command center, of the Ford-class has a towering mast with various antennas and sensors mounted on it.
However, on the Fujian carrier, these antennas are almost invisible. Its island is wrapped in a gray composite material, a minimalist design adopted by many of China’s latest naval vessels, including the Type 055 destroyer.
The principles and innovations of this “multi-functional integrated electronic mast” were recently disclosed in a paper by scientists from the Nanjing Electronic Technology Research Institute, who were involved in developing the technology. Led by engineering scientist Li Shengyan, the team believes this technology will have a significant impact on future warfare.
They compared the masts of China and the U.S., implying that the system on the Fujian carrier may be far ahead of the Ford-class.
Modern warship masts are equipped with antennas serving three main functions—radar, electronic reconnaissance, and electromagnetic suppression—which typically require antennas of different shapes.
On the Ford-class, the signals collected by these antennas are synthesized and processed by a computer using first-generation electromagnetic sensor integration technology. These antennas are exposed, making them susceptible to weathering and other external interference that can degrade performance.
In contrast, on the Fujian carrier, these antennas are integrated into a mast using second-generation electromagnetic sensor integration technology. This mast is made of a special composite material that effectively shields against external electromagnetic interference while maintaining antenna sensitivity and accuracy.
This mast can also dynamically adjust antennas, automatically selecting the optimal operating mode and parameters based on different mission requirements.
The paper states that the advantages of this integrated mast are not only reflected in performance but also in appearance. It makes the Fujian carrier’s island more compact and streamlined, reducing drag and radar cross-sectional area, enhancing the carrier’s stealth and maneuverability.
This also broadens the Fujian carrier’s field of view, facilitating aircraft takeoff and landing operations and command. Additionally, this mast can reduce the carrier’s weight and maintenance costs, increasing its range and lifespan.
The integrated mast of the Fujian carrier is a significant innovation for the Chinese navy in the field of electronic warfare and a crucial milestone in China catching up with or even surpassing the U.S. in carrier manufacturing technology. As the Fujian carrier is about to undergo sea trials, we have reason to expect it will reveal more astonishing features.