Posted on 09/06/2014 6:53:20 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
BEIJING (AFP) - Two pilots in a squadron conducting fighter jet take-off and landing tests for China's lone aircraft carrier were killed during trials, state media reported, offering a rare glimpse into the secretive project.
The revelation of the deaths came in a report last week on the signing of an order of commendation for the crew of China's first carrier-based jet fighter, the J-15. "Two test pilots of the squadron sacrificed their lives during the tests," the official Xinhua news agency reported on August 27. No details were given on exactly how or when the pilots were killed or the timing of the tests.
China's sole aircraft carrier, the 300m Liaoning - a Soviet-era vessel Beijing bought from Ukraine - was commissioned in September 2012.
The Xinhua report said that Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the commendation order for the squadron, part of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force.
- See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/east-asia/story/2-fighter-jet-pilots-killed-during-trials-chinas-aircraft-carrier-20140906#sthash.P1qg4smC.dpuf
(Excerpt) Read more at straitstimes.com ...
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Sum Ting Wong
Wee Tu Lo
The mishap rate has fallen steadily since.
I was stationed aboard the USS Bennington during the VN war. We made a West-Pac in 1968.
We were the first carrier to deploy to that theater without losing a single aircraft or man. We were awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Not as easy as FS-X is it?
I have to agree with that assessment. MAD is only applicable when there’s leadership in place. This is more of an occupation.
No worries.
I looked up STOBAR and learned something. That’s always a good thing.
Russia is modernizing their nuclear arsenal and 0 is disassembling ours. WTF!
Ho Lee Fuk.
Which goes to show that you can buy technology but you can’t buy experience.
It is fairly certain they will get there. The Chinese seem to be a very patient, determined people.
By the time the Chinese towed it to Dalian, in 2002, it was a rusting hull with no engines or rudders.
Carrier operations are inherently dangerous. We have people die in training accidents all the time.
We better not sell them short. Their equipment might be crappy Russian throwaways, and they might not have experience, but they are flush with money and a desire to be a player on the world military stage.
Their air force and navy have always been jokes, but what has been does not always have to be. Having money to burn, and the industrial base to leverage can have long-reaching effects.
We will be foolish to underestimate them.
Good post.
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