"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 centered on a flying carrier, Luanniao. The carrier will measure 242 meters in length, 684 meters in wingspan and reportedly weigh up to 120,000 tons at takeoff. From its deck, unmanned space fighters called Xuannu would launch hypersonic missiles to strike targets in the atmosphere and in orbit. By weight the carrier would exceed existing aircraft carriers by about 20%, and its wingspan would dwarf conventional maritime carriers. State broadcaster footage depicts a photorealistic 3D model releasing space jets and firing weapons. Experts express skepticism, characterizing the project as high-tech theater with political signaling.
Read at www.dw.com
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