China builds 339m nuclear carrier that could hold 90 aircraft

Satellite imagery of the Dalian shipyard shows construction of the Type 004 carrier, estimated at 336–339 meters long, exceeding the 333-meter USS Gerald R. Ford. Analysts estimate an air wing of 75–90 aircraft versus 50–60 on the Fujian and suggest nuclear propulsion.

• New carrier is estimated at 336–339 m versus 333 m for USS Gerald R. Ford
• Air wing estimated at 75–90 aircraft, compared with 50–60 on Fujian
• Hull size supports earlier indications of nuclear propulsion
• A 271-meter replenishment ship is under construction at Comec Longxue