Largest aircraft carrier begins sea trial

The ship will use an electromagnetic launch system, or electromagnetic catapult, to launch fixed-wing aircraft. This new system will give the carrier a much greater combat capability than its two predecessors, which use a ramp to launch jets.

A shipbuilding industry insider who spoke to China Daily on condition of anonymity said that the first sea trial is especially crucial for the new carrier's development and construction because it will be used to examine the overall design and actual operational performance.

"The maiden sea trial usually doesn't have to last long and the ship needn't sail far, because designers and engineers usually use this occasion to check how the power and propulsion systems function in sea waters, which can be done in coastal waters," he said."Tests on other systems, such as the air-defense or air operation control sections will take place in the next sea trials."

The insider said since the Fujian is the largest naval ship and one of the most sophisticated military assets China has ever built, it will undergo a number of sea trials before it can be commissioned for active service.