China has unveiled plans for the Luanniao, a futuristic 120,000-ton space carrier capable of deploying 88 unmanned fighter jets that can fire hypersonic missiles from the edge of Earth’s atmosphere, though experts remain skeptical about the project’s feasibility, and some view it as a stunt to inspire public confidence.
China has unveiled plans for a space carrier that can deploy unmanned fighter jets capable of firing missiles from the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere, with state media releasing a concept video of the futuristic Luanniao, described as the world’s biggest warship, travelling through space above all current defensive systems.
The massive grey triangular aircraft carrier will measure 242 metres long and 684 metres wide with a take-off weight of 120,000 tons—significantly more than any similar craft in operation today—and is designed to carry up to 88 unmanned Xuan Nu fighter jets, which will reportedly be highly manoeuvrable stealth aircraft capable of launching hypersonic missiles, according to state media.
China claimed the carrier could become operational in 20 to 30 years’ time, though experts were sceptical about the project and some likened it to a stunt designed to “inspire the Chinese public.” Peter Layton, a defence expert and visiting fellow at Australia’s Griffith Asia Institute, said if completed, the new spaceship would “outclass pretty much everyone,” explaining that it would be capable of flying over surface-to-air missiles and other fighter aircraft while being out of range of weather and most defensive systems.
The Luanniao could also allow Beijing to position it directly above targets and launch missiles at them, giving China a significant advantage including over Taiwan and in the South China Sea, which could be the scene of a future war against the United States. Layton noted, “You’re also out of range of the weather, generally speaking—and you’re out of range of most defensive systems,” highlighting the strategic implications of such technology if it becomes operational.
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