kungfugymnast
FULL MEMBER
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2015
- Messages
- 694
- Reaction score
- -11
- Country
- Location
003 is likely conventionally powered considering China needs 10 carriers by 2025 including LHD.
PLAN needed carriers with powered launch system so it probably won't be conventional if they wanted EMALS. 2 conventional carriers is enough for providing air cover over Spratlys. Without catapult or EMALS, fighters operating from type 001 & 002 only limited to air to air payload on more fuel or anti-ship missiles with less fuel.
The rest required nuclear powered for complete air to air, anti-ship, air to ground roles offensive/defensive sorties.