Image source: @ChineseArmy/YouTube
China has unveiled plans for a space aircraft carrier that could deploy unmanned fighter jets capable of launching missiles from the edge of Earth’s atmosphere.
State media has released a concept video showing the futuristic “Random Bird”, the world’s largest warship, traveling through space on top of all existing defense systems.
China claims the aircraft carrier could be operational within 20 to 30 years. However, experts are skeptical of the project, with some likening it to a stunt designed to “motivate the Chinese public”.
The Bird is like a spaceship in the Star Wars movie. It is a huge gray triangular aircraft carrier 242 meters long and 684 meters wide. It will have a take-off weight of 120,000 tonnes – far more than any similar aircraft operating today.
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Chapter 3001 The future Lunniao
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According to official media reports, the Luanniao will be designed to carry up to 88 Xuannv unmanned combat aircraft. The aircraft will reportedly be highly maneuverable stealth aircraft capable of launching hypersonic missiles but are much heavier than drones.
Peter Leighton, a defense expert and visiting fellow at Australia’s Griffith Asia Institute, said that if completed, the new spacecraft would “outclass almost everyone”.
It will be able to fly over surface-to-air missiles and other combat aircraft, he said, adding: “Generally speaking, you’re also beyond the range of weather, and you’re also beyond the range of most defense systems.”
Luanniao also allows Beijing to position it directly over a target and fire missiles at it.
This capability would give China significant advantages, including in Taiwan and the South China Sea, areas that could be the scene of future wars with the United States.
Image source: @ChineseArmy/YouTube
The Luan Bird is part of the wider Nantianmen project in China, which means Nantianmen.
The project, developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, encompasses a series of ambitious plans to expand China’s aviation and aerospace capabilities.
One of the most prominent elements is a sixth-generation fighter aircraft, called the Baidu fighter, which will also be able to operate in near space. A model of the aircraft was displayed at the 2024 China International Aerospace Expo.
Luanniao is the latest development in the ongoing space race between China and the United States. Beijing has been investing in rockets and satellites in an effort to push the United States out of the lead, and by some measures it is now winning.
Taiwan Coast Guard vessels and speedboats simulate a response to a possible conflict with China – Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty Images
In 2024, China successfully launched the Chang’e-6 robotic spacecraft, which reached the far side of the moon and returned to Earth carrying lunar samples.
The Chang’e-7 mission, which aims to search for water on the lunar surface, is planned for August.
While the United States still has leading capabilities, its momentum appears to be slowing while China is gaining strength.
After nearly two months of mission, Chang’e-6 landed in the desert of Inner Mongolia
Luanniao is by far the most ambitious part of the Nantianmen project, first conceived more than a decade ago but considered a fantasy project by most experts. For many people, this is still the case.
The technology needed for aircraft to hover at the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere and fire missiles at the surface doesn’t yet exist. Leighton said this would require “a lot of fuel” and new propulsion systems that have yet to be developed.
One way for China to achieve a similar result is to put a launch vehicle into orbit, similar to a satellite or rocket. In orbit, however, the aircraft is vulnerable to debris that can destroy it in the event of a collision.
To put the Luan Bird into orbit, China also needs a reusable rocket. It has been trying to achieve this goal for years but has so far failed to achieve it.
Beijing could look to Elon Musk’s SpaceX reusable rockets for inspiration. However, Mr Leighton said it could be another 10 to 15 years before the country could develop its own product.
China claims the aircraft carrier could be operational within 20 to 30 years
Given the major obstacles facing Ranniao’s development, the timing of Beijing’s announcement could be part of a broader strategy – both at home and abroad.
Leighton explained that China uses such stunts to “energize the Chinese public” and show that it is at the forefront of technological innovation.
He said the publicity surrounding the future spacecraft was part of a larger effort to demonstrate its military leadership to its neighbors.
“For outside audiences, it really paints the picture that they’re working on technology that the region can’t aspire to – it’s actually Star Wars stuff,” he added.
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