China is working towards creating its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. It has successfully created its prototype for nuclear reactor for large surface warships. The prototype is not a final product. However, it is used for the testing only. If it becomes successful, these nuclear reactors will be able to generate enough energy to help the warships move without refuelling for a long period. China is moving towards modernisation at a fast speed. It is already the world’s number navy regarding the number of soldiers.
China Is Working On Its First Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier
China has created its prototype nuclear reactor, hinting at its actions towards its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The product is still a prototype, so there are still some developments going on. It will require several tests and certifications to operate fully. However, it will strengthen China’s navy even more, making it a tough competitor against the US. Nuclear reactors are often used to create heat that will power aircraft and ships for a longer time without refuelling.
The researchers at Middle Burry Institute of International Studies, California found that China was making this reactor to produce plutonium or tritium while they were on a mission to explore the mountainside of Leshan City in Sichuan. However, China says that they are building this reactor for large warships. There were several requests to China to answer more questions. However, China’s Defence Ministry and Foreign Affairs Ministry have yet to say something.
There were already some satellite images and public documents that pointed out the carrier project. However, Middlebury’s team becomes the first one to confirm this. One of the professors from Middlebury, Jeffrey Lewis says “The Reactor at Leshan is the first solid evidence that China is developing a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.” Middlebury is not the only one who addresses it. There are other factors such as environmental impact, public documents, excessive dust, and noise that point out the building of a prototype reactor for naval propulsion.
A citizen living nearby also complained about the same. The site where the work is going on is known as Base 909. There are already six more reactors for the same purpose. However, few of them are operational while others are under construction. The researchers were able to detect the ongoing work on the nuclear-powered carrier. However, they’re unknown when the project will become operational. Stay tuned for more information.