OVERVIEW: The LIAONING (Type 001) aka "Kuznetsov Mod" (NATO) is a steam-powered, four shaft STOBAR aircraft carrier intended for regional power projection.

DETAILS: The LIAONING  is built from the partially complete Soviet VARYAG, a Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier.  It  a short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) aircraft carrier, utilizing a ski ramp for launch.  This limits the ordinance load, launch rate and requires the aircraft carrier to be capable of high speed to generate sufficient wind across the deck.   It also lacks a catapult,  limiting the embarked J-15 aircraft from launching with more than two tons of external ordinance with a full load of fuel. Unlike the later SHANDONG, the LIAONING has a larger island, limiting its aircraft complement to only 24 J-15 fighters.

Aviation facilities include a 14.0° ski jump, two elevators and a  hangar bay that can accommodate up to 30 aircraft. The total maximum airwing is estimated to be 38 aircraft (24 J-15,  8 Z-18F/J and 2-4 Z-9 helos).  

Sensors include a Type 346 S-band AESA 3-D air search and FC radar,   a Type 364 2-D long-range air search radar, and a long range  Type 382 TOP PLATE air and surface search radar. It also carries a hull sonar.

Weapons include 3x18 HQ-10 short range SAM launchers, 3  CIWS gun mounts and 2 anti-torpedo depth charge launchers.

The shortcomings of the LAIONING indicate is best suited for regional missions, such as humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR), training exercises with other nations, showing the flag, and asserting Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea, especially where it can be supported by land-based air.

SPECIFICATIONS

Displacement:  		60,900 tons (full load)(est)
Maximum Speed:  		32 knts (est)
Engineering Plant: 		Oil-fired boilers operating eight steam turbines driving four shafts with fixed pitch screws.
Shaft Horsepower: 		200,000
Range at Economical Speed:  	3850 nm@32 knts (est)
Endurance:		45 days
Complement:  		1.960 + 626 air group + 40 embarked staff

NOTES: IOC:  2012. Units in class:   LIAONING (16). Originally named RIGA by the Soviet Union, renamed  VARYAG by Russia in 1990. Sold by Ukraine unfinished in 1998.


SOURCES: "China Deploys Aircraft Carrier Shandong Response to Taiwanese President in US." Navy Naval News Navy Recognition. Last modified April 7, 2023. https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/april/13031-china-deploys-aircraft-carrier-shandong-response-to-taiwanese-president-in-us.html. ; 
Chinapower2017. "What Do We Know So Far About China's Second Aircraft Carrier?" ChinaPower Project. Last modified June 15, 2021. https://chinapower.csis.org/china-aircraft-carrier-type-001a/. ; "China’s New Aircraft Carrier Shandong: 5 Things You Need to Know." The National Interest. Last modified December 22, 2019. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/china%E2%80%99s-new-aircraft-carrier-shandong-5-things-you-need-know-107796. ;"A Look at China’s New Type 002 ‘Shandong’ Aircraft Carrier." UK Defence Journal. Last modified May 27, 2021. https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/a-look-at-chinas-new-type-002-shandong-aircraft-carrier/. ; Chinapower2017. "How Does China's First Aircraft Carrier Stack Up? | China Power Project." ChinaPower Project. Last modified August 26, 2020. https://chinapower.csis.org/aircraft-carrier/. ;"Chinese Aircraft Carrier Programme." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Last modified February 20, 2024.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_aircraft_carrier_programme#:~:text=The%20Shandong%20is%20a%20significant,14.0%C2%B0%20on%20the%20Liaoning.
