China's Aircraft carrier

So now it's time for the Navy posters to step in and discuss what impact this will have from a military position.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ca...qM5gcaT6iigrl5AObRtQVTGLQzEhONg?docId=5692225

The Varyag is a ski jump-style carrier with a displacement of about 55,000 tons, much smaller than the Japan-based U.S. carrier George Washington, which has a displacement of more than 100,000 tons.

China's secretive military has not commented on the aircraft carrier beyond vague statements that China will likely have such ships in future.

China is believed to be purchasing Russian Su-33 carrier-based fighters as well as adapting its own J-11 jets for carrier landings and takeoffs.

Click to expand...

Pima said:

So now it's time for the Navy posters to step in and discuss what impact this will have from a military position.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ca...qM5gcaT6iigrl5AObRtQVTGLQzEhONg?docId=5692225

Click to expand...

I remember reading about the procurement a few years ago. I won't pretend to have the knowledge of the navy guys/gals on here, but there is one thing I heard over and over. China doesn't have a blue-water navy. They may have the carrier, but not the expertise in carrier tactics, operation, and using it for force projection. Just hear-say from others I've talked with.

I agree.

They bought this carrier 12/13 yrs ago. Theoretically, they have yet to train any military member to take off on Navy carriers. Look at how long it takes to get an initial cadre for a new airframe. They not only have to get them up an running regarding the airframe, but also to get the crew too. From there they need to train more personnel.

I am curious, if it takes 5 yrs from test to cadre, 2 yrs from cadre to operational, how many yrs out are we saying?

Caveat, I am sure the Navy posters can also explain that this is an old carrier, and much smaller than our best, so I am betting donuts to dollars it will be decades before they are ever near the level of our current Navy. Just like they are still behind the AF regarding their fighter.