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Originally posted by FlankerFlyer:

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Originally posted by NSNN:

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Originally posted by bjpeters:
I'm hardly an expert when it comes to steel construction, but doing a few quick checks on things. In March of 2009, China reporting having a 'glut' of steel on hand due to the lack of orders to build ships, which means they have 'steel' to use on that carrier.
The red coloring on the steel indicates I believe a protective base, I noticed the same on pics of the USS New York as it was being built.
Maybe the Chinese are refitting it top to bottom, kind of reverse engineering it to make a 'blueprint' prototype for themselves?

This particular carrier will never see service. Chinese are simply trying to learn as much as possible about a/c construction and design. Once they (Inevitably) build their own, it will no doubt be larger & more advanced than Varyag.

agreed, i dont think it will see actual naval service either but has been studied, blueprinted and engineered for future Chinese carriers. Possibly it may be used as training ship of some kind.
Still the Chinese claim they will have a carrier by 2015 and in 2 shipyards it appears that something really big is being prepared to be built. Dont underestimate the Chinese as they will get over on us any chance they get.
Our complacency is their greatest weapon.

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This odd building is found in Huang Jiahu (黄家湖), where there is a huge University City. According to Chinese news resources, this so-called “Comprehensive Testing Platform” project was initiated in about June or July of 2008.

This project is run by the well-known Chinese Warship Research & Design Center (No.701 Institute under CSIC).

From the picture, you can see a mock flight deck, one Su-27 fighter and one Z-8 helicopter (both are probably full scale models). The most obvious is the “Island” commanding structure which is very similar to the one of “varyag” in Dalian. It is very interesting that Chinese people cut a big square opening on the commanding structure. For the picturing angle, there are possibly 3 square openings on other 3 sides of the structure.

Since “China-Defense-Mashup” has reported that “varyag” Aircraft Carrier’s commanding structure has been being improved since the end of August. The “big square openings” indicate that Chinese Navy will certainly equip “varyag” carrier with domestic ship-borne AESA radars, perhaps a improved version on Type 052C Destroyer.